Water and Energy Cycles

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to water and energy cycles as discussed in the lecture notes.

Evapotranspiration

The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.

Withdrawals

The act of taking water out of a surface or groundwater reservoir.

Consumption

The process of using water without returning it to the original reservoir; it is considered water that is 'used up'.

Hydraulic fracturing

A method of extracting natural gas and oil that uses high-pressure water.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

Automobiles that are powered entirely by electricity.

Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs)

Vehicles that operate using both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, which can be charged from an external power source.

Energy-water system

The interdependent system in which water is needed to produce energy and energy is necessary to deliver water.

Climate change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, affecting water availability.

Drought

A prolonged dry period with insufficient rainfall to support river flows, reservoirs, and groundwater.

Environmental impact

The effect of a project or action on the surrounding environment, influenced by factors like population growth and policy changes.