Water and Carbon Cycle

Components of a system

Inputs

Outputs

Stores

Flows

Boundaries

Inputs

Where matter or energy is added to the system

Outputs

Where matter or energy leaves the system

Stores

Where matter or energy builds up in the system

Flows

Where matter or energy moves in the system

Boundaries

Limits to the system

Open system

When systems receive inputs and transfer outputs of energy or matter with other systems.

Closed system

System doesn’t exchange matter with sorrundings. Energy inputs equal outputs

Isolated System

A system that ahs no interactions beyond its boundaries

Dynamic equilibrium

When inputs equal outputs despite changing conditions

Positive feedback

occurs when a chain of events amplifies the impacts of the original event,

Negative feedback

refers to a chain of events that nullifies the impacts of the original event, leading to dynamic equilibrium.

On a local scale the carbon and water cycles are both

open systems

On a global scale the carbon and water cycles are both

Closed systems

is a local drainage basin a closed or open system

water may be lost as an output through evapotranspiration and runoff, but more water may be gained as an input through precipitation. As the inputs and outputs are not balanced, it is an open system

Inputs of local water cycle

Percipitaion

Outputs of local water cycle

Evapotranspiration - The combined return of water to the atmosphere from evaporation and transpiration (plants)

Streamflow - Water that flows through streams and into the ocean or as tributaries to other rivers

Stores of local water cycle

Groundwater - Water stored in the pore spaces of rocks

Soil Water

Rivers

Interception - Water stored temporarily by trees etc, before it reaches the ground

Surface

Flows of local water cycle

Infiltration - Water moving from above ground into the soil.

Percolation - Water moves from the ground or soil into porous rock or rock fractures.

Throughflow - Flow of water through the soil

Surface Runoff

Groundwater Flow - Flow of water through the rocks

Streamflow

Stemflow - Flow of water that has been intercepted by plants or trees, down a stem, leaf, branch or other part of a plant

Water balance percipitation equation

Precipitation = Total Runoff + Evapotranspiration +/- Storage

The water cycle is impacted on a local scale by:

Deforestation - Less interception. Soil less able to store water

Storm Events - Increases runoff and water storage

Seasonal Changes - More interception in spring; Snow reduces flows; Hot weather reduces precipitation

Agriculture - Livestock ground trampled so less infiltration; Crops - Ploughing increases infiltration. Ditches increase runoff

Urbanisation - Impermeable surfaces increase runoff

4 spheres

Hydrosphere

Lithosphere

Cryosphere

Atmosphere