The Hydrosphere and Deforestation

Flashcards about the Hydrosphere and Deforestation

What are three unique properties of water?

Water expands as a solid, has a neutral pH, and has a high specific heat.

What is the hydrologic cycle?

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

Name four key processes in the hydrologic cycle.

Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation.

What is evaporation?

Water changing from liquid to gas.

What is transpiration?

Water vapor leaving plant leaves.

What is condensation?

Water vapor turning back into liquid.

What is precipitation?

Water released from clouds in various forms.

What is runoff?

Water that runs along the land's surface.

What is infiltration?

Water on the ground seeping into the soil.

What is an aquifer?

Saturated area below the water table.

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

2.5%

What percentage of Earth's freshwater is available for living things?

1.2%

What is deforestation?

Clearing and destruction of a forest for other land uses.

What are some common land uses that forests are converted to?

Farms, ranches, and urban areas.

What primarily drives global deforestation?

Agriculture, including cattle ranching and the production of commodities like palm oil and soybeans.

How does climate change result from deforestation?

Reduced planet's ability to absorb greenhouse gases, changes weather patterns

How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

Destroying habitats for countless plant and animal species.

What are the consequences of deforestation on soil?

Soil erosion and decreased fertility.

How does deforestation increase the risk of flooding?

Reduces the capacity of forests to absorb rainwater.

What are the primary drivers of deforestation in Canada?

Logging and agricultural expansion.