Atmospheric Moisture and the Hydrologic Cycle

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to atmospheric moisture and the hydrologic cycle, as discussed in the lecture.

Humidify

To assist or add water vapor to the atmosphere.

Hydrology

The study and analysis of water on and below the Earth’s surface.

Evaportation

The process of water changing from liquid to vapor.

Condensation

The process of water vapor turning into liquid water, releasing latent heat.

Dew Point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to condensation.

Relative Humidity

The ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount it can hold at that temperature expressed as a percentage.

Saturation

The maximum amount of water vapor that air can hold at a given temperature and pressure.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground.

Infiltration

The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Sensible Heat

Heat that affects the temperature of a substance and can be measured with a thermometer.

Latent Heat

Heat energy that is absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance without changing its temperature.

Sublimation

The process by which a solid transforms directly into a vapor without becoming liquid.

Phase Change

The transformation of a substance from one state of matter to another.

Evapotranspiration

The combination of evaporation from the land and transpiration from plants.

Ice-Fog

Fog formed when ice crystals sublimate directly into water vapor.

Groundwater

Water located beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere.

Clouds

Visible masses of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere.

Water Vapor

Water in its gaseous state, found in the atmosphere.

Oceans

Large bodies of saltwater that cover about 71% of the Earth's surface.

Soil Moisture

Water held in the soil, available for use by plants.