Geography A-Level

Percolation

Percolation

the downward movement of water through the soil and rock layers due to gravity

Precipitation

all forms of moisture that fall to the Earth’s surface, including rain, snow, sleet, hail

Stemflow

water that runs down the stem or trunks of plants and trees after precipitation. This directs water from above-ground sufaces to the ground itself

Throughfall/drips

precipitation that reaches the ground directly, bypassing interception by vegetation. Also includes water that drips off leaves after rainfall

Infiltration

process by which water enters the soil through its surfaces. The ability if the soil to allow water to pass through is influenced by its permeability

Throughflow

lateral movement of water through the soil layer, moving downslope towards rivers, occurs after water has infiltrated the soil

Groundwater flow

the slow movement of water through permeable rock strata below the water table, contributing to baseflow in rivers

Channel Flow

The movement of water within a defined river os stream channel, where the water is confined and flows towards a larger body of water

Interception

The temporary storage of precipitation on vegetation and other surfaces before it reaches the ground.

Soil Moisture Storage

Water stored in the soil, which can be used by plants and vegetation

Groundwater Storage

Water stored underground aquifers and permeable rock layers. Crucial for maintaining river flow

River channel

water stored within the banks of a river or stream contributing to the overall flow of the drainage basin

Evaporation

process by which water is transformed from liquid to vapor, primarily from surfaces of water bodies, soil, and plants

Sublimation

process by which water is transformed from solid to gas

Transpiration

process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as vapor from leaf pores

River flow

discharge of water from a river, measured as the volume of water passing a specific point over a specified time