Water Distribution and Hydrological Cycle

These flashcards cover key concepts related to water distribution on Earth, the properties of water, and the hydrological cycle.

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?

71% of Earth's surface is covered by water.

What is the primary component of Earth's water?

97% of Earth's water is salt water found in oceans.

How much fresh water is available on Earth?

Only 3% of Earth's water is fresh, with 2/3 of that in glaciers and ice sheets.

What are some significant properties of water?

Water exists in all 3 states, has high heat capacity, is a universal solvent, and its solid phase is less dense than its liquid phase.

What is the hydrological cycle?

The hydrological cycle involves the continuous movement of water through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

What processes occur in the atmosphere during the hydrological cycle?

Evaporation, condensation, cloud formation, and precipitation occur in the atmosphere.

What is relative humidity?

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount possible.

What are the types of precipitation?

Types of precipitation include rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, graupel, and hail.

What is adiabatic cooling?

Adiabatic cooling is the process of temperature changes in the atmosphere without addition or removal of heat.

What is the Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR)?

The Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) is the rate of cooling of non-rising air in the troposphere, approximately -6.5°C per km.