QUIZ 2 HYDROLOGY

Evaporation

is a natural process in the water cycle where liquid water changes into water vapor due to the heat energy provided by the sun.

transpiration

is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere through small openings in their leaves.

Condensation

happens when water vapor cools down and changes back into liquid water.

Precipitation

occurs when condensed water droplets in clouds become heavy and fall to Earth.

Runoff

is water that flows over the land surface toward rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Infiltration

is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Percolation

is the downward movement of infiltrated water through soil and rock layers.

Groundwater flow

is the movement of water within

underground aquifers.

Storage

refers to water held in different parts of the hydrologic cycle for varying lengths of time.

Freshwater Distribution

It is the primary mechanism for moving water from the salty oceans to dry land, providing the freshwater needed for life.

Climate Regulation

The movement of water vapor helps distribute heat around the globe, regulating Earth's temperature.

Nutrient Cycling

As water moves, nutrients through ecosystems.

Natural Filtration

Processes like infiltration through soil and evaporation act as natural filters, purifying water.

ΔS

Change in storage

ET

Evapotranspiration

Atmosphere-Surface Water

Evaporation transfers water from surface water bodies like lakes and oceans to the atmosphere, while precipitation returns it as rain or snow.

Surface-Subsurface Water

infiltrates into subsurface soil and aquifers as recharge, or groundwater discharges into streams and wetlands.

Subsurface-Atmosphere

reaches the atmosphere via evapotranspiration, where plants transpire soil moisture or groundwater.

Cycle Connections

These interactions form the hydrologic cycle's core: precipitation from atmospheric vapor replenishes surface water, infiltration feeds subsurface storage, and evaporation/transpiration recycles water upward.

Civil Engineering & Flood Control

they use the hydrologic cycle to design

safe and efficient infrastructure.

Agriculture & Irrigation

The hydrologic cycle ensures a reliable

water supply for crop production.

Environmental Protection

The hydrologic cycle maintains

ecosystem balance and water quality.

Public Health

Understanding the hydrologic cycle

helps protect clean drinking water.