Geography - 3.1.1 Water and Carbon Cycles

Systems in physical geography

Interacting networks of components or stores connected by flows of energy and matter

Inputs

Matter or energy entering the system (solar radiation, precipitation)

Outputs

Matter or energy leaving the system (runoff, evaporation, radiation)

Energy

The power driving the system (solar energy or gravity)

Stores/components

where matter or energy is held (oceans, atmospheres, lithosphere)

Flows/transfers

the movement of matter or energy between stores (infiltration, photosynthesis, respiration)

positive feedback

a cycle where a change trigers further changes that amplify the original impact (warmer temperatures melt ice, reducing albedo & causing further warming)

Negative feedback

A cycle where a change triggers responses that counteract the original impact, promoting stability (increased atmospheric CO2 promotes plant growth, which draws down Co2 from the air).

Dynamic equilibrium

a state of balance where inputs and outputs are equal, meaning th system remains stable despite short-term fluctations.

What is the hydrosphere & how much of Earth’s water is stored in it?

Oceans & surface liquid, including seas, lakes & rivers.

Contains 96.5% of global water. Largest store on planet, but 97% of this store is saline water.

What is the cryosphere & how much of Earth’s water is stored in it?

Frozen water. Mainly locked up in ice sheets, Antarctic and Greenland, glaciers, & permafrost

Contain 1.7% of all water. Contains 69% of Earth’s fresh water.

What is the lithosphere & how much of Earth’s water is stored in it?

Groundwater. Mainly stored in underground aquifers, soil moisture, and within rock layers where water can remain for thousands of years.

Contains 1.7% of all water. Second-largest overall fresh water store (after cryosphere).

What is the atmosphere & how much of Earth’s water is stored in it?

Water vapour and clouds.

Contains 0.001% of total water. Smallest global store, but plays vital role in Earth’s weather, climate, & water cycle, with water continuously circulating in & out of the atmosphere in a matter of days.