The Water Cycle and Biogeochemical Cycles

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the water cycle and biogeochemical cycles as discussed in the lecture notes.

Biogeochemical cycles

Natural processes that recycle chemical elements and water through biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.

Exchange pool

Part of a cycle that holds an element or water for a short period of time, such as the atmosphere for water.

Reservoir

Part of a cycle that holds an element or water for a long period of time, like the ocean for water.

Evaporation

Process where water changes from liquid to gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Sublimation

Process where ice and snow change directly into water vapor, also influenced by heat.

Transpiration

Process where plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through stomata.

Condensation

Process where water vapor cools and changes into tiny droplets of liquid water.

Precipitation

Water droplets that fall from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, hail, or freezing rain.

Groundwater

Water that seeps into the ground from precipitation and can be stored in aquifers.

Runoff

Water that flows over the surface of the ground after precipitation occurs.