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Questions and Answers
What does infiltrate mean?
What does infiltrate mean?
What is the definition of permeable?
What is the definition of permeable?
What are two processes essential for the dynamic equilibrium of the water cycle?
What are two processes essential for the dynamic equilibrium of the water cycle?
What is transpiration?
What is transpiration?
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What is condensation?
What is condensation?
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What is the difference between runoff and infiltration?
What is the difference between runoff and infiltration?
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What is the definition of saturated?
What is the definition of saturated?
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Study Notes
Water Cycle Overview
- The water cycle is the continuous movement of water within the Earth's hydrosphere.
- It involves the exchange of water among the oceans, atmosphere, solid Earth, and biosphere.
- The hydrosphere encompasses all the water on planet Earth.
- The cycle is unending and continually circulates the water supply.
Water Cycle Processes
- Evaporation/Transpiration: Liquid water transforms into a gaseous state. Water evaporates from bodies of water and transpires from plants. This occurs due to solar heating.
- Precipitation: Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into liquid water droplets (rain), solid ice crystals (snow or hail), or frozen dew. Droplets combine and become heavy, falling to Earth.
- Infiltration: Surface water soaks into the ground. The water moves into cracks and spaces in the soil or rock.
- Runoff: Water that does not infiltrate flows over the land, eventually reaching rivers and lakes. This happens when rainfall exceeds the Earth's ability to absorb it.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, creating clouds.
Water Absorption
- Water can infiltrate the ground and enter rivers, lakes, and streams.
- Plants also absorb water.
Key Terms
- Saturated: Unable to hold or contain more; full.
- Unsaturated: Capable of absorbing or dissolving more of something.
- Permeable: Having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through.
- Impermeable: Not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through its substance.
- Dynamic Equilibrium: Occurs when the average annual precipitation over the Earth equals the amount of water that evaporates.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of the water cycle, including its continuous movement within Earth's hydrosphere. This quiz delves into key processes such as evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff, crucial for understanding how water circulates through different environmental systems.
