Water Cycle and Energy Dynamics

This set of flashcards covers concepts related to the water cycle, energy dynamics, their interrelation, and various management strategies for water resources.

Evapotranspiration

The process of transferring moisture from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground.

Withdrawals

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

Consumption

The process of using water from a surface or groundwater reservoir without putting it back in the same reservoir.

Hydraulic Fracturing

A method used to extract oil and gas from underground formations, which requires significant amounts of water.

Thermoelectric Power

Electricity generation that uses heat to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator.

Biofuels

Fuels derived from biological materials, which often require large amounts of water for production.

Energy Efficiency

The goal of using less energy to provide the same service.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Vehicles powered entirely by electricity.

Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor that can be recharged by plugging in.

Cooling Water

Water used in power plants to absorb heat generated by electricity production.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Energy Cycle

The process of energy transformation in various forms and through different systems.

Reservoir

A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.

Surface Water

Water that collects on the surface of the ground.

Groundwater

Water that is stored underground in aquifers.

Abyssal Water

The deep water in oceans that is typically cold and has high pressure.

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas at temperatures below boiling.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.

Fluxes

The flow of water in and out of different reservoirs.

Drought

An extended period of deficient rainfall relative to the statistical multi-year average for a region.

Water Usage in US (2005)

Total withdrawals of about 400 billion gallons/day or 1,300 gallons per person per day.

Intake Conditions

Various levels indicating the amount of water intake, often used to describe reservoir status.

Water Demand

The total volume of water required by the population, businesses, and agriculture.

Water Quality

The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, often regarding its suitability for particular uses.

Policy Changes

Shifts in regulations and laws that impact water and energy usage.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of individuals in a population that can affect resource demand.

Affluence Growth

The increase in wealth and standard of living, impacting consumption behavior.

Electrified Transportation

Transportation systems utilizing electric energy as a fuel source.

Energy-Water Nexus

The interrelationship between energy production and water supply.

Water Refresh Rate

How quickly or frequently water is replenished in a reservoir.

Dust Control Measures

Techniques used to manage and reduce dust emissions, particularly in dry areas.

Consensus Study Report

A report compiled to summarize expert views and recommendations on critical issues.

Water Withdrawals by Sector

The categorization of water use across different sectors, such as agricultural, industrial, and domestic.

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-bearing rock that can yield water.

Climate Influence on Water Supply

The impact of changing climatic conditions on the availability of fresh water resources.

Energy Source

A natural resource used to generate energy, such as fossil fuels, solar, or wind.

Hydrological Cycle

Another term for the water cycle, emphasizing the movement and distribution of water.

Energy Transformation

The process of converting energy from one form to another.

Water Conservation

The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.

Sustainable Water Management

Practices that aim to manage water resources to meet current and future human needs.

Water Recycling

The process of treating wastewater and reusing it for other purposes.

Desalination

The process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water.

Groundwater Depletion

The reduction of water levels in aquifers due to excessive extraction of water.

Water Footprint

The total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual or community.

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

A process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources.

Transboundary Water Management

Management of shared water resources that cross international borders.

Water Governance

The political, social, economic, and administrative system that regulates water resources.

Water Stress

The condition in which water availability is inadequate to meet the demands of a population.

Flooding Risks

The potential for land to be inundated with water, leading to damage and disruption.

Water Security

The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water.

Water Treatment

Processes that make water safe for consumption.

Stormwater Management

Strategies to manage the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff.

Basin Management

The process of managing water resources within a watershed.

Green Infrastructure

Sustainable urban planning that uses natural processes to manage water.

Climate Adaptation Measures

Strategies implemented to reduce vulnerability to climate change effects.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, like solar or wind.

Non-Renewable Resources

Resources that do not regenerate within a human lifespan, like fossil fuels.

Water Quality Standards

Regulations that set the acceptable limits for contaminants in drinking water.

Micro-irrigation

A technique that uses low-pressure and low-flow rates for watering crops.

Water Scarcity

A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available amount.

Conjunctive Use

The combined use of surface and groundwater to optimize resource management.

Catchment Area

The area where precipitation collects to contribute to a water body.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean water.

Water Policy Framework

A structured approach to managing water resources through laws, regulations, and guidelines.

Resource Allocation

The distribution of available resources among competing wants or needs.

Drought Resilience

The ability to withstand or recover from drought conditions.

Watershed Protection

Efforts to preserve and protect the natural landscape and waterways.

Soil Moisture Content

The amount of water held in the soil that can be used by plants.

Food and Water Security Nexus

The interrelationship between food production and water supply.

Transport Infrastructure's Impact on Water Accessibility

How road and transport systems affect access to water resources.

Health Impacts of Water Quality

The consequences that poor water quality can have on human health.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Efforts to educate the public about water conservation and management.

Water Monitoring Technologies

Tools and methods for tracking and analyzing water quality and quantity.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Evaluations of the potential environmental effects of proposed projects.

Inequality in Water Distribution

Disparities in access to water resources among different groups or areas.

Surface Runoff

Water flow that occurs when the soil is saturated and excess water flows over the surface.

Waterborne Diseases

Illnesses contracted through contaminated water.

Rainwater Harvesting

Collecting and storing rain for reuse before it reaches the ground.

Water Diplomacy

The use of negotiations and treaties to manage shared water resources.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystems located in water bodies including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Wastewater Management

Processes for treating and recycling used water.

Water Trading

A market-based approach to manage water rights.

Severe Weather Events

Extremes in weather patterns often linked to climate change, affecting water availability.

Pricing Water Resources

Setting costs for water usage to encourage conservation and efficient use.

Public Water Systems

Government-managed systems that provide water to communities.

Improved Sanitation Access

Efforts to ensure adequate sanitation services to prevent water-related diseases.

Access to Clean Drinking Water

Availability of safe, potable water for human consumption.

Pollution Control Measures

Actions taken to reduce or eliminate water pollution.

Urban Water Supply Systems

Infrastructure designed to provide water to urban populations.

Agricultural Water Management

Practices to optimize water use in agriculture.

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

Structures and systems designed to withstand changing climate conditions.

Flood Mitigation Strategies

Preemptive measures taken to prevent or reduce flooding risks.

Water Use Efficiency

Ratio of water used to water available for consumption or other uses.

Ecosystem Restoration Projects

Initiatives aimed at restoring the health and function of ecosystems.

Wetlands Conservation

Efforts to protect and preserve wetland areas for biodiversity and water quality.

Alternative Energy Sources

Energy produced from sources other than fossil fuels.

Climate Change Mitigation

Strategies undertaken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks.

Water Budget

An accounting of water inflow and outflow for a specific area.