water and carbon cycles

Explain the ‘system concept’ relating to the water cycle

The water cycle can be views as a system made from inputs, outputs, stores and flows

Main input is precipitation and outputs are evapotranspiration and runoff.

Water stored in places such as atmosphere, rivers and groundwater

Flows such as infiltration, percolation move water between stores.

Closed system on global scales so not water is lost or added

Explain the ‘system concept’ relating to the carbon cycle

The carbon cycle is a system made of inputs, outputs, stores and flows

Carbon enters atmosphere through outputs e.g. respiration and combustion.

Stored in the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere

Photosynthesis and decomposition are flows and move carbon between stores

Closed system on global scale- not lost or gained overall

Outline the inputs, outputs and stores in the water cycle

Main input = precipitation

Outputs = evapotranspiration and river discharge into oceans

Stores= lithosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

Move through stores with flows e.g. infiltration, percolation and surface runoff

Explain the inputs, stores and outputs of the carbon cycle

Inputs to the carbon cycle = respiration, combustion and volcanic eruptions → release carbon into the atmosphere

Main stores = atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere

Outputs = photosynthesis or carbon sequestration in oceans and sediments

Explain ‘positive feedback’ in relation to the water cycle

Positive feedback is when the effects caused are amplified an example in the water cycle is global warming. This leads to more evaporation, increasing atmospheric water vapour. This water vapour is a greenhouse gas, enhancing the greenhouse effect, causing more warming and evaporation

Outline ‘negative feedback’ in relation to the water cycle

Negative feedback in the water cycle is when the change is nullified and helps return the cycle back to its equilibrium state. An example could be an increase in evapotranspiration due to higher temps leading to cloud formation. This reduces solar radiation, lowering the global temps reducing evaporation

Outline ‘positive feedback’ in relation to the carbon cycle

Positive feedback is when the effects caused are amplified an example in the carbon cycle is rising global temperatures. This can cause permafrost to melt, releasing stored CO2 and methane. These greenhouse gases enhance the greenhouse effect → further warming and more permafrost melt

Explain ‘negative feedback’ in relation to the carbon cycle

Negative feedback in the water cycle is when the change is nullified and helps return the cycle back to its equilibrium state. An example in the carbon cycle is afforestation. This can lead to carbon dioxide increasing leading to an increase in photosynthesis. As plants absorb more CO2, atmospheric levels of CO2 decrease, returning the carbon cycle back to its equilibrium state.

Explain the term ‘dynamic equilibrium’ in the water cycle

Dynamic equilibrium in the water cycle refers to a balanced state where the inputs, outputs and stores remain relatively constant over time. Although water moves through each process, the overall amount in each store stays stable unless disrupted by external factors such as climate change or human activity

Outline the term ‘dynamic equilibrium’ in the carbon cycle

Dynamic equilibrium in the carbon cycle refers to a balanced state where the amount of carbon moving between stores remains relatively stable over time. Although carbon moves through each process like photosynthesis and respiration, the total amount in each store stays constant unless disrupted by human activity or natural events

Explain what is meant by stores in relation to the water cycle

Stores refer to where water is held for periods of time. Includes atmosphere ( as vapour), oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater and glaciers. Water is stored before moving to other parts of the cycle through processes such as evaporation, precipitation and runoff

Explain what is meant by stores in relation to the carbon cycle

Stores refer to where carbon is held for varying periods of time. Includes atmosphere (as CO2), oceans (dissolved) lithosphere (fossil fuels and sedimentary rocks) biosphere (living organisms and soil). Carbon moves between these stores through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration and combustion.

Outline what is meant by inputs in relation to the water cycle

Inputs refers to the addition of water into the system. Main input is precipitation, including rain, snow, sleet and hail. Other inputs can include water melting from snow and ice or water from human activities such as irrigation

Explain what is meant by inputs in relation to the carbon cycle

Inputs refer to the addition of carbon into the system. Key inputs = CO2 in atmosphere through respiration, combustion and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, carbon is also absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and can be transferred from the atmosphere to the oceans through diffusion

Explain what is meant by outputs in relation to the water cycle

Outputs refer to the removal of water from the system. Main outputs = evapotranspiration→ combined process of evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants and runoff where water flows from land into rivers, lakes and oceans. These outputs help balance the water stored in various stores within the cycle

Outline what is meant by outputs in relation to the carbon cycle

Outputs refer to the processes that release carbon from the system. Main outputs = CO2 into atmosphere through respiration, combustion, volcanic activity. Additionally, carbon can be lost from the biosphere to oceans through diffusion and from land to atmosphere through decomposition

Explain what is meant by the term flows in relation to the water cycle

Outline what is meant by the term flows in relation to the carbon cycle

Explain the global distribution of the major stores of water

Outline the size of the major stores of water

Explain the global distribution and size of the lithosphere as a major store of water

Explain the global distribution and size of the hydrosphere as a major store of water

Explain the global distribution and size of the cryosphere as a major store of water

Explain the global distribution and size of the atmosphere as a major store of water

Outline the processes driving change in the magnitude of the lithosphere

Outline the processes driving change in the magnitude of the hydrosphere

Outline the processes driving change in the magnitude of the cryosphere

Outline the processes driving change in the magnitude of the atmosphere

Explain the process of evaporation in the water cycle system

Outline the process of condensation in the water cycle system

Explain the process of cloud formation in the water cycle system

Outline the cause of precipitation in the water cycle system

Explain the role of cryospheric in the water cycle system

Outline the role of cryospheric processes at hill slope in the water cycle

Explain the role of cryospheric processes at the drainage basin in the water cycle

Outline the role of cryospheric processes at global scales in the water cycle

Explain the drainage basin as an open system

Outline the inputs in the drainage basin open system

Explain the outputs in the drainage basin open system

Outline role precipitation in the drainage basin

Explain the role of evapotranspiration in the drainage basin

Outline the role of runoff in the drainage basin system

Explain stores and flows in the drainage basin open system

Outline the role of interception in the drainage basin

Explain the role of groundwater storage in the drainage basin

Outline role channel storage in the drainage basin

Explain the role stemflow in the drainage basin

Outline the role of infiltration in the drainage basin

Outline the role of channel flow in the drainage basin

Explain the concept of the water balance

Explain the term ‘runoff variation’ in the water cycle

Outline the term ‘flood hydrograph’ in the water cycle

Outline changes in the water cycle over time

Explain the term ‘natural variation’ in the water cycle

Outline changes in the water cycle due to storm events

Explain changes in the water cycle due to seasonal changes

Outline changes in the water cycle due to farming practices

Explain changes in the water cycle due to land use change

Outline changes in the water cycle due to water abstraction