Water Quality Unit 1

SciConnect flashcards based on the 2026 SciOly Seasaon

biogeochemical cycles

movement of certain chemical elements through various forms (living AND nonliving)

runoff

water from precipitate and snow melt that doesn’t melt into the ground

transpiration

plants absorb water via roots, some evaporate into the atmosphere through stomata

evapotranspiration (ET)

total liquid water loss from surface to the atmosphere (evaporation + transpiration)

cellular respiration

living organisms convert glucose and oxygen in energy (ATP), H₂O, CO₂

Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ —> 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP

infiltration

water on the surface soaks into the ground

percolation

movement of water through porous material

porosity

measure of empty spaces within a material. indicates how much liquid a material holds

sublimation (rare)

ice —> water vapor, can occur w/ unique conditions like some dry winds