Water cycle flashcards

evaporation

process where liquid water turns into water vapor due to heat

transpiration

process where plants release water vapor into the air through tiny openings in their leaves (stomatas)

condensation

water vapor cools and changes back into tiny liquid droplets, forming clouds

precipitation

water that falls back to Earth from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail

infiltration

the downward entry of water into the soil surface

percolation

the movement of water through the soil profile, eventually reaching groundwater

runoff

water that flows over the land surface instead of soaking into the ground.

collection

water gathers in large bodies like rivers, lakes, oceans and glaciers

What is rain tax? Why are some town/cities implementing it? Develop an argument for or against

Rain tax is the tax amount on impervious/paved surfaces on your property

some cities are implementing it because it encourages land owners to reduce their paved land. This will reduce runoff which can cause many problems.

Water tax should be implemented because it helps people be aware of the environmental impact it has. People already have a lot of taxes and they don’t want to pay more. But then they will decrease the amount of constructed/paved land and that will save problems like runoff (erosion, flooding, pollution)

what percent of earths water is freshwater and how much is accessible?

3% of Earth’s water is freshwater

.5% of water is available (ie. locked in glaciers, too polluted)

is freshwater becoming scarce, why? What can we do abt it

yes, because geography, climate change, pollution and overuse.

We can reduce water waste, improve water storage, prevent pollution and use sustainable agriculture.

who is impacted by scarce freshwater

lack of infrastructure, higher exposure to pollution, drought-prone regions, water costs