hydrologic cycle

What is the hydrologic cycle?

The hydrologic cycle is the continuous movement of water through the Earth's reservoirs, maintaining a balance in the total amount of water.

Where is the majority of Earth's water stored?

The majority of Earth's water, around 96.5 percent, is stored in the global ocean.

What percentage of Earth's water is contained in glaciers and ice sheets?

Ice sheets and glaciers account for about 1.74 percent of Earth's water.

What is a drainage basin?

A drainage basin, or watershed, is the area of land from which a stream collects its water.

What separates neighboring drainage basins?

Neighboring drainage basins are separated by an imaginary boundary known as a divide.

What are the three zones of a river system?

The three zones of a river system are production, transport, and deposition.

What is a dendritic drainage pattern?

A dendritic drainage pattern resembles tree branches and forms on uniform material with consistent erosion resistance.

What characterizes a radial drainage pattern?

In a radial drainage pattern, streams radiate outward from a central point, often found on volcanic cones or domes.

What causes a rectangular drainage pattern?

A rectangular drainage pattern is caused by fractured rock, leading to right-angle bends in the stream paths.

What is a trellis drainage pattern?

A trellis drainage pattern features parallel tributary streams formed in areas with alternating bands of resistant and less-resistant rock.

What is laminar flow?

Laminar flow is the smooth, parallel movement of water, typically found in slow-moving or calm waters.

What is turbulent flow?

Turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic, swirling movements and is common in faster streams with obstacles.

How does channel shape affect water flow?

Narrow, deep channels allow for faster flows by minimizing friction, while wide, shallow channels slow the water due to increased contact.

What is discharge?

Discharge is the volume of water moving past a point over time, influencing flow speed and sediment transport.

What is quarrying in the context of stream erosion?

Quarrying is the removal of blocks from the bed due to high-impact flows.

What is abrasion in stream erosion?

Abrasion is the erosion from particles colliding with the channel, which can create potholes.

What is corrosion in geological terms?

Corrosion refers to the chemical breakdown of soluble rocks, such as limestone.

What are the three ways streams carry sediment?

Streams carry sediment as dissolved load, suspended load, and bed load.

What is alluvium?

Alluvium refers to the deposits formed from sediment deposited by streams as they slow down.

What are bedrock channels?

Bedrock channels are found in steep, mountainous areas and flow directly over rock, creating steep valleys.

What are alluvial channels?

Alluvial channels flow over loose sediments and often take the forms of meandering or braided channels.

What features are formed when streams lose energy?

Deltas, natural levees, and alluvial fans are formed when streams lose energy and deposit sediment.

What is a delta?

A delta is a fan-shaped landform created when streams deposit sediment as they enter larger bodies of water.

What is flooding?

Flooding is a natural disaster characterized by the overflow of water, often affecting communities, economies, and ecosystems.

What causes regional floods?

Regional floods are caused by extended heavy rainfall or significant snowmelt over large areas.

What are flash floods?

Flash floods are rapid and intense floods that can occur within minutes or hours after heavy rain.

What are ice jam floods?

Ice jam floods occur when chunks of ice block river flow, causing localized flooding when water levels rise.

What can cause dam failure floods?

Dam failure floods occur when a dam suffers structural failure, releasing large amounts of water suddenly.

What are artificial levees?

Artificial levees are earth embankments built along riverbanks to contain and control floodwaters.

What is channelization?

Channelization involves altering river channels to enhance water flow and reduce flooding risks.

What are the goals of non-structural flood management strategies?

Non-structural strategies focus on community planning, land use regulations, and public awareness to manage flood risks.

What is a flood control dam?

Flood control dams are designed to temporarily hold excess water during heavy rainfall and gradually release it.

How do drainage patterns affect flood risks?

Different drainage patterns, shaped by topography and geology, can influence the likelihood and impact of floods.

What is dendritic drainage?

Dendritic drainage patterns resemble tree branches and typically have lower risks of localized flooding.

What defines radial drainage patterns?

Radial drainage patterns occur around elevated terrains, directing water flow outward from a central point.

What is trellis drainage?

Trellis drainage develops in zones of alternating hard and soft rock layers, influencing stream flow patterns.

What is rectangular drainage?

Rectangular drainage patterns form along fractures or joints in bedrock, leading to increased localized flooding.

What is the relationship between the hydrologic cycle and life on Earth?

The hydrologic cycle sustains life by facilitating water movement through Earth's surface and atmosphere.

How do rivers and streams shape geomorphological features?

Rivers and streams carve through land, creating valleys, deltas, and other geological features that affect ecosystems.

What is sediment transport?

Sediment transport is the movement of sediment downstream, influenced by stream velocity and discharge.

What role does gravity play in streamflow?

Gravity drives the movement of water in rivers or streams, influencing flow speed and pattern.