Biology 20: Energy and Matter: Cycles and Climate

Water Cycle

The movement of water through the environment

Evaporation

Liquid water changes into water vapour

Transpiration

Water evaporates from plant leaves

Condensation

Water vapour cools and forms liquid droplets

Precipitation

Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, or hail

Accumulation

Water collecting in lakes, rivers, and oceans

Runoff

Water flowing over land into bodies of water

Acid Deposition

Rain or snow made acidic by air pollution

Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon through living things, air, water, and soil

Carbon Reservoir

A place where carbon is stored for a long time

Greenhouse Effect

Gases in the atmosphere trap heat near Earth

Global Warming

The long-term rise in Earth's average temperature

Albedo Effect

The amount of solar energy a surface reflects

High Albedo

A surface that reflects most sunlight, such as snow or ice

Low Albedo

A surface that absorbs more sunlight, such as forests or cities