Understanding the Hydrological Cycle and Water Management Issues

Hydrological Cycle

Continuous movement of water through storages and flows.

Storages

Locations where water is held, like oceans and glaciers.

Flows

Movement of water as inputs and outputs.

Evapotranspiration

Combined process of evaporation and plant transpiration.

Transpiration

Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere.

Sublimation

Transition from solid directly to gas.

Evaporation

Liquid water transforms into gas.

Condensation

Gas water vapor turns into liquid.

Advection

Movement of water vapor via wind.

Precipitation

Water vapor condenses and falls to Earth.

Melting

Solid ice transforms into liquid water.

Freezing

Liquid water turns into solid ice.

Flooding

Overflow of water onto normally dry land.

Surface Runoff

Water movement over saturated or impermeable land.

Infiltration

Water absorption into soil layers.

Percolation

Water movement through soil due to gravity.

Stream-flow

Water movement within streams and rivers.

Siltation

Build-up of fine soil particles in water bodies.

Soil Erosion

Removal of soil by wind or water.

Ocean Currents

Movement of ocean water distributing energy globally.

Upwelling

Nutrient-rich cold water rises to the surface.

Downwelling

Sinking of higher density water in oceans.

El Nino

Weakening of trade winds causes warm water shift.

El Nina

Strengthened trade winds churn up colder water.

Global Conveyor Belt

Thermohaline circulation driven by water density differences.

Global Conveyor Belt

Circulation of ocean water affecting climate over 1000 years.

Gulf Stream

Fast current transporting warm water from equator.

Specific Heat Capacity

Energy needed to change water temperature significantly.

Heat Transfer

Movement of heat from warm to cold areas.

Salinity Increase

Higher salt content due to evaporation in warm waters.

Density Gradient

Variation in water density affecting ocean circulation.

Flash Floods

Sudden floods from excessive precipitation exceeding absorption.

Infiltration Capacity

Maximum water absorption rate by the ground.

Deforestation Effects

Reduces rainfall interception and increases runoff.

Urbanization Impact

Impervious surfaces increase runoff and flood risks.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)

Techniques to manage stormwater and improve water quality.

Porous Surfaces

Materials allowing water infiltration, reducing runoff.

Eutrophication

Nutrient overload causing oxygen depletion in water.

Methemoglobinemia

Condition caused by nitrates affecting infant blood.

Soil Salinity

Salt accumulation in soil due to poor drainage.

Excessive Abstraction

Unsustainable water removal from natural sources.

Positive Feedback Loop

Process where effects amplify initial changes.

Animal Waste Pollution

Organic materials harming aquatic ecosystems.

Heat Capacity Comparison

Oceans warm slowly; atmosphere warms quickly.

Polar Regions Warming

Increased temperatures affecting global water circulation.

Stormwater Retention Ponds

Water bodies designed to manage excess runoff.

Green Infrastructure

Natural systems enhancing urban water management.

Climate Engine

Oceans transport heat, influencing global weather patterns.

Animal Waste

Reduces oxygen and photosynthesis in water.

Water Use Efficiency

Strategies to optimize water usage in agriculture.

Rainwater Collection

Capturing rainwater for irrigation and consumption.

Drought-resistant Crops

Crops that survive with minimal water.

Drip Irrigation

Water delivered directly to plant roots via tubes.

Soil Moisture Retention

Practices to maintain soil moisture levels.

Bunds

Earthen barriers to retain water in fields.

Terracing

Creating flat areas on slopes for agriculture.

Winter Cover Crops

Plants grown to protect soil during winter.

Pollution Reduction

Strategies to minimize chemical runoff into water.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Sustainable pest control minimizing pesticide use.

Atacama Desert

Receives approximately 1mm of rainfall yearly.

Cherrapunji, India

Receives over 11,700mm of rainfall yearly.

Dead Sea

Lowest point on earth, 430 meters below sea level.

Jordan River

Main water source for the Dead Sea.

Salinity of Dead Sea

340 parts per thousand, highest in the world.

Water Level Decline

Dead Sea loses 1 meter of water annually.

Water Diversion

Redirection of water from the Jordan River.

Water Scarcity

Insufficient freshwater availability for population needs.

Water-related Diseases

Cause 4 million child deaths annually.

Freshwater Demand

69% used for agriculture, 23% for industry.

Climate Change Impact

Limits water supply due to contamination and abstraction.

Climate Change

Anticipated to alter water availability significantly.

Hydrological Cycle

Movement of water through the environment.

Disrupted Rainfall Patterns

Altered timing and intensity of precipitation.

Droughts

Extended periods of deficient rainfall.

Storms

Severe weather events causing heavy precipitation.

Soil Degradation

Decline in soil quality due to irrigation.

Salinisation

Accumulation of salts in soil from irrigation.

Drought Resistant Crops

Plants bred to withstand dry conditions.

Drip Irrigation

Efficient watering system delivering water directly.

Water Abstraction

Extraction of water from natural sources.

Unsustainable Abstraction

Water extraction exceeds natural replenishment rates.

Aquifers

Underground layers storing significant groundwater.

Unconfined Aquifers

Aquifers without an impermeable layer above.

Confined Aquifers

Aquifers capped by impermeable rock or clay.

Wastewater Contamination

Untreated sewage discharged into water bodies.

Chemical Fertilisers

Substances added to soil to enhance growth.

Physical Water Scarcity

Insufficient water due to climate or overuse.

Economic Water Scarcity

Lack of infrastructure for clean water access.

Water Sicknesses

Illnesses caused by contaminated water exposure.

Arsenic Contamination

Natural arsenic presence affecting groundwater quality.

Health Effects of Arsenic

Skin lesions, pigmentation changes, and cancers.

Water Stress

Insufficient or polluted water supply to meet demand.

Increasing Water Demand

Rising need due to population and industrial growth.

Urbanisation

Urban population projected to reach 6.3 billion by 2050.

Water Stress

Insufficient or polluted water supply for demand.

Water Scarcity

Water availability below 1000 m³/person/year.

Water Stressed Areas

By 2025, 2/3 global population affected.

Economic Water Scarcity

Lack of funds for water treatment access.

Physical Water Scarcity

Insufficient water resources to meet demand.

Over-abstraction

Excessive withdrawal of groundwater resources.