Water and its Sustainable Management

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and concepts on the hydrological cycle, water availability, river ecosystems, human water uses, and water pollution.

Hydrological Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, surface runoff, and groundwater flow.

Precipitation

Water coming down to Earth in the form of liquid or solid, depending on the temperature.

Rain

Falling drops of liquid water.

Snow

Precipitation that falls when the temperature in a cloud is below freezing.

Sleet

Rain that freezes as it falls.

Hail

Precipitation formed when drops of rain freeze and strong winds carry them higher into a cloud.

Surface Runoff

Rainwater that collects on the Earth's surface and flows over the ground into streams and rivers.

Evaporation

The process where the Sun's heat causes liquid water to change into water vapour.

Transpiration

The process by which plants give out water vapour through their leaves.

Condensation

The process where warm, moist air cools as it rises, causing water vapour to change into water droplets that gather to form clouds.

Groundwater

Water that seeps into the ground and may be absorbed by plants or stored underground.

Floods

Overflows of water onto land that is normally dry.

Flash Floods

Floods caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall over a short period of time, often occurring in areas where water is unable to infiltrate the ground.

River Floods

Floods caused by sustained heavy rainfall or snowmelt entering tributaries and rivers, causing water levels to rise and overflow river banks.

Droughts

Long periods of little or no rainfall in an area that can last for months or years, causing water sources to run dry.

River Ecosystem

A community of plants and animals found in rivers that interact with one another and rely on a regular water supply.

Domestic Water Use

The use of water for household activities, such as taking showers, kitchen activities, and flushing toilets.

Recreational Water Use

The use of water for leisure activities such as canoeing, sailing, and sport fishing.

Agricultural Water Use

The use of water for cultivating crops and rearing animals, accounting for 70% of global water use.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated when water is passed through turbines across dams.

Wafer Fabrication

The industrial process of creating components for electrical circuitry in computers and mobile phones, which uses water as a cleaning agent.

Smart Water Assessment Network (SWAN)

A network of robotic swans used by PUB in Singapore to monitor reservoir water quality and collect data in real time.

Water Pollution

A condition occurring when harmful substances enter water bodies, causing water quality to fall and reducing usable water for people and marine life.