Hydrological cycle

Hydrological Cycle

The continuous movement of water on Earth, involving water changing state from liquid to gas and back.

Evaporation

The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas.

Condensation

The process of water vapor changing into a liquid.

Precipitation

The falling of water to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff

The movement of water downhill, either above or underground, eventually returning to the ocean.

Ground water

Water that is found in the ground, especially below the surface in a well.

Transpiration

The process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves.

Soil moisture

Water that is held in the soil layers above the ground water level.

Aquifer

An underground layer that contains ground water.

Dew point

The temperature at which water in the air condenses into water droplets near the ground.

Recharge Water

Water that seeps into an aquifer or saturated zone.

Saturated Zone

The area where all subsurface spaces are filled with water.

Water table

The top of the saturated zone, which moves with the seasons and water usage.

Cone of depression

The area around a well in an unconfined aquifer that becomes unsaturated when the well is pumped.

Impermeable layer

A layer of material, like clay, that doesn't allow water to pass through.

Karst topography

A landscape created by chemical weathering in regions with limestone bedrock, characterized by features like sinkholes and caves.

Sinkholes

Depressions formed in the ground when the roof of a cave collapses due to groundwater dissolving the rock above.

Disappearing Streams

Surface streams that flow into openings in the ground and continue underground.

Solution Valleys

Valleys carved by groundwater.

Climate Change Impacts

Effects on the hydrologic cycle due to climate change, such as melting glaciers and intensifying cycles.

Driving Forces of Hydrologic Cycle

The sun's energy and gravity.

What is the Hydrological Cycle?

The continuous movement of water on Earth, involving water changing state from liquid to gas and back.

What is Evaporation?

The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas.

What occurs during Condensation?

Water vapor changes into a liquid.

What is Precipitation?

The falling of water to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

What is Runoff?

The movement of water downhill, either above or underground, eventually returning to the ocean.

What is Ground Water?

Water that is found in the ground, especially below the surface in a well.

Define Transpiration.

The process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves.

What is Soil Moisture?

Water that is held in the soil layers above the ground water level.

What is an Aquifer?

An underground layer that contains ground water.

What does Dew Point indicate?

The temperature at which water in the air condenses into water droplets near the ground.

The process of water vapor changing into a liquid is called __________.

Condensation.

__________ is when water falls to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Precipitation.

The __________ is the movement of water downhill, eventually returning to the ocean.

Runoff.

Water that is held in the soil layers above the groundwater level is known as __________.

Soil moisture.

An __________ is an underground layer that contains groundwater.

Aquifer.

The temperature at which water in the air begins to condense into droplets is known as the __________.

Dew point.

The process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves is called __________.

Transpiration.

__________ is the continuous movement of water on Earth, involving water changing state from liquid to gas and back.

The hydrological cycle.

The __________ zone is the area where all subsurface spaces are filled with water.

Saturated.

A __________ is formed in the ground when the roof of a cave collapses due to groundwater dissolving the rock above.

Sinkhole.

What drives the Hydrological Cycle?

The sun's energy and gravity.

What is the role of evaporation in the Hydrological Cycle?

Evaporation transforms liquid water into water vapor, contributing to the cycle.

How does condensation affect weather patterns?

Condensation leads to cloud formation, influencing precipitation and weather events.

What can happen during heavy precipitation?

Runoff can increase, leading to flooding in some areas.

How does soil moisture benefit plants?

Soil moisture provides essential water for plant growth and sustenance.

What is the significance of groundwater?

Groundwater is a crucial resource for drinking water and agriculture.

How do aquifers recharge?

Aquifers recharge through rainfall and surface water seeping into the ground.

What defines a saturated zone?

A saturated zone is where all underground spaces are filled with water.

What is a cone of depression?

An area around a well that becomes unsaturated due to water extraction.

What is the impact of climate change on the Hydrological Cycle?

Climate change can lead to altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation.

How does transpiration contribute to the water cycle?

Transpiration returns water vapor to the atmosphere from plants.

What are disappearing streams?

Streams that flow into the ground, continuing their course underground.

What is karst topography?

A landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, featuring caves and sinkholes.

What is the function of dew point in weather forecasting?

Dew point indicates humidity levels and can signal potential precipitation.

How do sinkholes form?

Sinkholes form when groundwater erodes the rock above a cavity, causing a collapse.

What is the water cycle?

The cycle through which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back.

What are the main processes of the water cycle?

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration.

What causes evaporation?

Heat from the sun increases the temperature of water, causing it to turn into vapor.

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Clouds form during condensation and are a key component before precipitation occurs.

How does precipitation enter the water cycle?

Water falls from clouds to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

What is surface runoff?

Water that flows over the ground, returning to bodies of water like rivers and oceans.

How does water infiltrate the ground?

Water seeps into the soil and can replenish groundwater supplies.

What is the significance of groundwater in the water cycle?

Groundwater serves as a significant source of freshwater for human use and ecosystems.

What is transpiration's role?

Transpiration allows plants to return moisture to the atmosphere.

What is an impermeable layer?

A layer of rock or soil that prevents water from passing through.

What is a watershed?

An area of land where all the water drains into a common water body.

What is a floodplain?

An area adjacent to a river that is susceptible to flooding during high water events.

What factors influence the rate of evaporation?

Temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.

How does soil texture affect water retention?

Soil with more clay holds more water, while sandy soil drains faster.

What defines the aquifer recharge rate?

The speed at which water enters an aquifer, impacted by rainfall and surface water.

What is the impact of deforestation on the water cycle?

It can reduce transpiration and increase runoff, altering local climates.

How do urban areas affect the water cycle?

Urbanization often increases runoff due to impermeable surfaces and reduces groundwater recharge.

What are wetlands?

Areas where water covers the soil, serving as important buffers in the water cycle.

What is the importance of the dew point?

It indicates moisture in the air and the potential for condensation and precipitation.

How do glaciers contribute to the water cycle?

Glaciers store freshwater and release it as meltwater during warmer seasons.

What are the consequences of excessive groundwater extraction?

It can lead to land subsidence and reduced water availability.

What is the relationship between climate change and the water cycle?

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase evaporation, and disrupt ecosystems.

What role do rivers play in the water cycle?

Rivers transport water, facilitate evaporation, and return water to oceans.

What is a water table?

The upper level of groundwater saturation in an aquifer.

What can cause a cone of depression?

Pumping of water from a well that lowers the water table around it.

How does agriculture impact the water cycle?

It can increase water use and affect local groundwater levels through irrigation practices.

What is the primary source of energy driving the water cycle?

The sun's energy.