Earth Science: Water Budget

Water Cycle

The model of the circulation of water between oceans, atmosphere, and land.

Transpiration

Water vapor from plants.

Evapotranspiration

All evaporation.

Infiltration

Water getting into the ground and/or soil. The most occurs when the ground is unsaturated and permeable.

Saturated

Water cannot enter.

Unsaturated

Water can enter.

Porosity

The amount of pore space that sediment and soil has. All sediments have the same pore space (i.e. a jar of pebbles, sand, and clay would be considered to have all the same amount of pore space) unless the sediments are mixed together.

Permeability

How fast water can pass through soil and sediments. The larger the soil/sediment, the more.

Capillarity

Water moving upward against gravity.

Watershed

A drainage pattern

Surface Runoff

Water that cannot infiltrate the ground (most times because the ground is too saturated with water).

Water Storage

The amount of water saved in the ground.

Water Recharge

When water is put back into the ground (through the act of precipitation).

Water Usage

Water is taken out of the ground (through the act of evaporation).

Water Deficit

Not enough water in the ground.

Surplus

Extra water that becomes runoff.

Retention

Holding on to water. Smaller sediments = more.

Main Source of Moisture In Water Budget

Precipitation.

Porosity and particle size

Dynamic equilibrium

Permeability and particle size

Direct relationship

Infiltration rate and slope of the surface

Indirect relationship

Capillarity and particle size

Indirect relationship

Runoff and slope of the surface

Direct relationship

Stream discharge and runoff

Direct relationship

Runoff and soil permeability

Indirect relationship

Evapotranspiration potential and heat energy

Direct relationship

Permeability and particle size

Direct relationship