Water cycle, freshwater sources and rivers in China

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes freshwater from other water sources on Earth?

  • Freshwater is primarily sourced from oceans and seas, undergoing a desalination process to remove salt.
  • Freshwater is defined by its salinity level, being naturally occurring water with a low concentration of dissolved salts. (correct)
  • Freshwater is distinguished by its location, typically found in deep underground aquifers, far from surface contamination.
  • Freshwater is characterized by its high mineral content, making it essential for plant growth.

Considering the global distribution of water, if all of Earth's water was represented as 100 liters, how much of this volume would realistically be available as easily accessible freshwater sources like rivers and lakes?

  • About 68.7 liters, reflecting the vast amounts locked in glaciers and ice caps.
  • Approximately 2.5 liters, highlighting the scarcity of freshwater. (correct)
  • Roughly 30.1 liters, indicating a substantial reserve in groundwater.
  • Nearly 96.5 liters, showing the dominance of oceans in global water.

China, despite its vast landmass, faces significant water resource management challenges. Based on the information provided, which statement most accurately reflects the distribution of freshwater sources within China?

  • Lakes, specifically the five largest freshwater lakes, constitute the most significant source of freshwater for the entire country.
  • Groundwater is uniformly distributed across China, serving as a reliable water source for all regions.
  • The majority of freshwater in China is concentrated in the arid western regions, necessitating extensive water transport infrastructure.
  • While China possesses numerous rivers and lakes, groundwater is the primary water source, particularly in central and northern China. (correct)

Examine the provided map of freshwater sources in China. If Region 2 is experiencing a prolonged drought and needs to supplement its water supply, which source would be the most geographically and logically viable to explore based on the map?

<p>Increasing reliance on groundwater extraction, as indicated by its dominant representation in Region 2. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is crucial for life on Earth. Which of the following best describes the fundamental concept of the hydrological cycle?

<p>It refers to the constant movement of water in various states between the atmosphere and the Earth's lithosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the water cycle considered indispensable for sustaining life on Earth? Choose the most encompassing reason from the options below.

<p>It converts saline water into freshwater, replenishing usable water sources and supporting ecosystems and human needs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evaporation is a key process in the water cycle. Which statement provides the most accurate description of evaporation in this context?

<p>It is the process of water turning into a gaseous state (water vapor) due to heat energy from the sun. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the process of evaporation, why does seawater, which is salty, ultimately contribute to freshwater in the water cycle?

<p>Salt, being a heavy compound, does not evaporate with water, thus leaving it behind and allowing only freshwater vapor to rise. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transpiration is another significant process in the water cycle, closely related to living organisms. What is the most accurate description of transpiration?

<p>The release of water vapor into the atmosphere by plants, primarily through their leaves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evapotranspiration is a term that combines two key processes of the water cycle. What does evapotranspiration collectively represent?

<p>The combined processes of evaporation from water bodies and transpiration from plants, both returning water vapor to the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Condensation is crucial for cloud formation and subsequent precipitation. Which of the following best describes the process of condensation in the water cycle?

<p>Water vapor in the atmosphere cooling and changing back into liquid droplets or ice crystals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Precipitation is the mechanism by which water returns from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in various forms. Which of the following is NOT a form of precipitation?

<p>Dew (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a region experiences a prolonged period of low precipitation, leading to drought conditions, which stage of the water cycle is primarily disrupted, causing this deficit?

<p>Precipitation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Infiltration is a crucial process that determines how rainwater replenishes groundwater supplies. Which of the following best describes infiltration?

<p>Water soaking vertically downwards from the ground surface into the soil layer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Percolation is closely related to infiltration but describes a deeper movement of water. How does percolation differ from infiltration in the water cycle?

<p>Percolation is the movement of water downwards from the soil layer into permeable rock layers and towards the water table, following infiltration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Surface runoff is a visible pathway of water returning to rivers and seas. Which of the following scenarios would typically result in increased surface runoff in an area?

<p>Deforestation and urbanization, reducing soil permeability and vegetation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Throughflow is a subsurface process that contributes to streamflow. How does throughflow transport water back to rivers and seas?

<p>Throughflow involves water soaking into the soil and then flowing horizontally within the soil layer towards rivers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Groundwater flow is the slowest pathway for water to return to surface water bodies. Which statement accurately describes groundwater flow?

<p>Groundwater flow is the slow, horizontal movement of water deep within rock layers back towards rivers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where heavy rainfall occurs in a forested area. Which of the following processes would be most effective in reducing immediate surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge?

<p>Enhanced interception by forest canopy and infiltration into the soil. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'water table' is frequently used in discussions about groundwater resources. What does the water table represent?

<p>The upper surface of the zone of saturation in groundwater, separating saturated and unsaturated zones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Permeable and impermeable rock layers play critical roles in groundwater storage and flow. How do permeable rock layers contribute to groundwater systems?

<p>Permeable rocks allow water to flow through them easily due to interconnected pores, facilitating groundwater movement and storage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Impermeable rock layers are equally important in groundwater systems, often in conjunction with permeable layers. What is the primary function of impermeable rock layers in relation to groundwater?

<p>Impermeable rocks block or significantly slow down water movement, often forming the base of aquifers and preventing water from escaping downwards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aquifer is a vital concept in water resource management, particularly for groundwater supply. What is the most accurate definition of an aquifer?

<p>A permeable rock layer underground that holds and transmits groundwater. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the complete water cycle, which sequence of processes correctly represents the path of a water molecule from the ocean to becoming groundwater and eventually returning to the ocean?

<p>Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Surface Runoff → Infiltration → Groundwater Flow → Ocean (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would extensive deforestation in a watershed most likely impact the different stages of the water cycle within that area?

<p>Decreased evapotranspiration leading to less atmospheric moisture and potentially reduced precipitation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Urbanization significantly alters the natural water cycle in affected areas. Which of the following is a primary impact of urbanization on the water cycle?

<p>Increased surface runoff and decreased infiltration due to impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Climate change is expected to have profound effects on the global water cycle. Which of the following is a likely consequence of climate change on precipitation patterns?

<p>Increased variability in precipitation, with some regions experiencing more intense rainfall and floods, while others face prolonged droughts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the water cycle contribute to the distribution of heat energy around the globe?

<p>Through evaporation, which absorbs heat at the Earth's surface and releases it into the atmosphere during condensation, redistributing thermal energy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Activity 3 (diagram completion), if label '1' represents evaporation, and label '3' represents condensation, what process would logically be represented by label '4', which shows water falling from clouds?

<p>Precipitation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Referring to Activity 3, if '6' is labeled 'infiltration', and '7' is shown as water moving downwards below the surface, which process is most likely represented by label '7'?

<p>Percolation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Activity 3, label '8' indicates water flowing towards a river at a subsurface level. Which process is best represented by label '8'?

<p>Groundwater Flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Activity 3 is correctly completed, and label '5' shows water flowing over the land surface to the river, what process is depicted by label '5'?

<p>Surface Runoff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the definitions provided in Activity 1 & 2, which term best fits the description: 'happens when droplets fall and return to the Earth's surface'?

<p>Precipitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Activities 1 & 2, which term corresponds to the definition: 'flow of water between the atmosphere and lithosphere'?

<p>Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on Activities 1 & 2, which term is defined as: 'water held in rocks, underground'?

<p>Groundwater (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Referring to Activities 1 & 2, identify the term that matches the description: 'happens when plants release water vapour into the atmosphere'

<p>Transpiration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Activities 1 & 2, which term is best described as: 'top of the ground water'?

<p>Water Table (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From Activities 1 & 2, identify the term that fits the definition: 'type of rock layer that has a lot of pores'

<p>Permeable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on Activities 1 & 2, which term is described as: 'Type of rock that doesn't allow water to pass through'?

<p>Impermeable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering all processes of the water cycle, which process is most directly responsible for the purification of water, transforming saline water into freshwater?

<p>Evaporation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Freshwater

Water that is naturally occurring and not salty; suitable for consumption if clean or processed.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface.

Evaporation

The process where water changes from liquid to gas (water vapor).

Transpiration

The release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.

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Condensation

The process of water vapor cooling and changing into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

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Precipitation

Water droplets falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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Infiltration

Water on the ground surface soaking vertically downward into the soil layer, forming soil storage.

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Percolation

Soil water flowing vertically downwards to permeable rock layers until it reaches the water table, forming groundwater.

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Surface runoff

Water flowing on the ground surface back to the rivers or seas.

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Throughflow

Water soaking into the soil and flowing horizontally along the soil layer back to the rivers.

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Groundwater flow

Groundwater remaining deep in the rock layers and flowing slowly and horizontally back to the rivers.

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Groundwater

The main source of water in central and north China.

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Study Notes

  • The water cycle is at work with main processes that detail how rainwater flows back to rivers or seas.

Water Sources

  • Freshwater is naturally occurring water that is not salty.
  • Freshwater is suitable for consumption if clean or processed
  • Freshwater comes from rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers, and rainwater
  • The Earth's water consists of 96.5% oceans, 2.5% freshwater and 0.9% saline water.
  • The freshwater distribution on Earth is 68.7% glaciers and ice caps, 30.1% groundwater, and 1.2% surface/other freshwater
  • Surface water and other freshwater consists of 69.0% ground ice and permafrost, 20.9% lakes, 3.0% atmosphere, 2.6% swamps and marshes, 0.49% rivers, and 0.26% living things.
  • China has many freshwater sources, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Rivers in China

  • China has 45,203 rivers.
  • The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world.
  • Other major rivers in China include the Yellow River, Pearl River, Songhua River, Huai River, Hai River, and Liao River.

Lakes in China

  • China has many lakes.
  • The five largest freshwater lakes in China are Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake, Taihu Lake, Hongze Lake, and Chao Lake.
  • Lake Poyang is the largest freshwater lake in China.

Groundwater in China

  • Groundwater is the main source of water in central and north China.

Processes of the Water Cycle

  • The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, refers to the flow of water in different states between the atmosphere and the lithosphere (ground surface and underground).

Importance of the Water Cycle

  • The water cycle turns salty water in seas and oceans into fresh water that humans can use.
  • It feeds bodies of water on the ground surface as fresh water sources.
  • The water cycle maintains the lives of different plant and animal species, including humans.
  • The water cycle irrigates crops so as to provide food for humans.
  • It maintains daily life.

Evaporation

  • Water in different bodies of water on Earth (in soil, on the ground, in rivers and seas, etc) absorbs heat energy from the sun and changes into water vapour (gaseous state) and rises up to the atmosphere.
  • Salt is a heavy compound so it does not evaporate.

Transpiration

  • Transpiration is the process by which water vapour in plants is released into the atmosphere after photosynthesis.

Evapotranspiration

  • Water in the lithosphere (crust and upper mantle of Earth) rises up to the atmosphere as water vapour through evaporation and transpiration.
  • Evapotranspiration = transpiration + evaporation.

Condensation

  • Water vapour that rises up to the atmosphere cools and condenses to form larger droplets (liquid state).
  • Clouds are formed as these water droplets join together.

Precipitation

  • Water droplets in the atmosphere become larger and are too heavy for air to carry, so droplets fall and return to the Earth's surface as different types of precipitation (snow, rain, sleet, hail).

Why Rainwater Isn't Salty

  • If rainwater mostly comes from evaporated seawater, which is salty, then why is rainwater not salty?
  • Salt is a heavy compound so it does not evaporate.
  • Since salt cannot evaporate, it is not carried by water vapour which rises into the atmosphere, so water vapour condenses into fresh non-salty droplets.

Ways Rainwater Returns to Sea or River

  • Infiltration is when water on the ground surface soaks vertically downward into a soil layer, forming soil storage.
  • Percolation is when soil water flows vertically downwards to permeable rock layers (with a lot of pores in between rocks allowing water to flow downwards) until it reaches the water table (the top of the ground water) and forms ground water (ground water store = aquifer - formed above the impermeable rock layers).
  • Surface runoff is when water flows on the ground surface back to the rivers or seas.
  • Throughflow is when water soaks into the soil and flows horizontally along the soil layer back to the rivers.
  • Groundwater flow is when groundwater remains deep in the rock layers and flows slowly and horizontally back to the rivers.
  • Once water is carried by the river and into the seas, the cycle is complete and then it starts again.
  • This is the water cycle.

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