11 - Water Systems and the Cryosphere

Question 1

Define:

water cycle

Answer 1

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth’s surface.

This cycle plays a vital role in supporting life, regulating climate, and replenishing water resources across the planet.

Question 2

Explain:

What are the two primary forces driving the water cycle?

Answer 2

1. Solar Energy
2. Gravity

These forces sustain the continuous movement of water in the cycle.

Solar Energy: Drives water movement by causing evaporation and heating.

Gravity: Pulls water downward, enabling flow and precipitation.

Question 3

Explain:

What are the main processes of the water cycle?

Answer 3

• Evaporation
• Condensation
• Precipitation
• Runoff

Evaporation: Water transforms from liquid to vapor, rising into the atmosphere.

Condensation: Water vapor cools and changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or other forms.

Runoff: Water flows over the land, returning to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Question 4

Identify:

What is the process by which water changes from liquid to vapor?

Answer 4

Evaporation

Heat transforms surface water into vapor, driving moisture into the atmosphere.

Question 5

Explain:

How does evaporation cool the environment?

Answer 5

By absorbing heat, it lowers the temperature of its surroundings.

Evaporation is an endothermic process where water molecules absorb heat energy to transition from liquid to vapor, cooling the surface they evaporate from. This principle explains natural cooling phenomena, such as sweating in humans.

Question 6

Identify:

When does water change from a gas to a liquid?

Answer 6

condensation

This process occurs when water vapor cools, leading to the formation of clouds.

Question 7

Explain:

What are three common types of precipitation?

Answer 7

1. Rain
2. Snow
3. Hail

Rain: Liquid water droplets falling when temperatures are above freezing.

Snow: Ice crystals forming and falling in freezing temperatures.

Hail: Solid ice balls formed in thunderstorms with strong updrafts.

Question 8

Identify:

What is the area where all precipitation drains into a common waterway?

Answer 8

Watershed

A watershed is a land area where all precipitation, whether rain or snow, collects and drains into a single water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Question 9

True or False:

Ice and snow are part of the water cycle.

Answer 9

True

Frozen water contributes to the water cycle through processes like melting and sublimation.

Question 10

Identify:

What is the process of plants releasing water vapor into the atmosphere?

Answer 10

Transpiration

Transpiration occurs through small pores in leaves, contributing to atmospheric moisture.

Question 11

Identify:

What process moves water from the soil back to the atmosphere?

Answer 11

Evapotranspiration

This combines evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants, driving moisture into the air.

Question 12

Explain:

sublimation

Answer 12

• When a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid phase.
• For water, this would be ice turning directly into vapor without becoming liquid first.

Question 13

Identify:

What is the process called where water moves downward through soil.

Answer 13

Percolation

Percolation replenishes groundwater and naturally filters water through soil layers.

Question 14

Define:

surface water

Answer 14

The water found on the surface of Earth.

Surface water, found in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, makes up only 0.3% of freshwater but is a vital resource for life.

Question 15

Explain:

What are the main types of surface water systems?

Answer 15

• Rivers
• Lakes
• Streams
• Wetlands

Rivers: Large flowing water bodies that transport water across regions.

Lakes: Still water bodies that store water in basins.

Streams: Smaller flowing water systems, often feeding rivers.

Wetlands: Saturated areas that support diverse ecosystems and regulate water flow.

Question 16

Explain:

Why are wetlands important in surface water systems?

Answer 16

It filters water, stores floodwaters, and supports diverse ecosystems.

Wetlands act as natural buffers, protecting areas from flooding and erosion.

Question 17

Identify:

What is the primary source of water for surface water systems?

Answer 17

Precipitation

Precipitation replenishes surface water systems through rain, snowmelt, and runoff.

Question 18

True or False:

Surface water is evenly distributed around the world.

Answer 18

False

Surface water availability depends on geography, climate, and regional water management.

Question 19

Explain:

What are three factors that affect surface water availability?

Answer 19

1. Climate
2. Geography
3. Human Activity

Climate: Precipitation and evaporation rates.

Geography: The layout of land and water bodies.

Human Activity: Usage, dams, and pollution.

Question 20

Explain:

What are the three main water reservoirs on Earth and their percentages?

Answer 20

1. Oceans – About 97% of Earth’s water is found in the oceans as saltwater.
2. Glaciers and Ice Caps – Roughly 2% of Earth’s water is stored in glaciers and ice caps, primarily in Antarctica and Greenland.
3. Freshwater (Groundwater, Lakes, and Rivers) – Approximately 1% of Earth’s water is fresh and accessible, distributed among groundwater, lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere.

Question 21

Identify:

What percentage of Earth’s water is usable by humans?

Answer 21

Less than 1%.

This includes accessible surface water and groundwater, as most water is either salty or frozen.

Question 22

Explain:

Why is such a small percentage of Earth’s water usable for human needs?

Answer 22

Most water is salty or frozen in glaciers.

Usable water must be both fresh and accessible, such as in rivers and shallow aquifers.

Question 23

Identify:

What is the percentage of water in the atmosphere?

Answer 23

Less than 0.1%.

Despite its small percentage, atmospheric water vapor plays a vital role in weather and the water cycle.

Question 24

Identify:

What is water that flows over the surface instead of infiltrating the ground?

Answer 24

Runoff

Runoff contributes to surface water systems but can also carry pollutants into rivers and lakes.

Question 25

# Define: infiltration

Answer 25

The process of water **soaking** into the ground. ## Footnote Infiltration is the movement of water from the surface into the soil. It replenishes groundwater reserves and naturally filters water as it passes through soil layers, removing impurities.

Question 26

# Identify: What surface water system **connects** tributaries and streams?

Answer 26

River ## Footnote **Rivers** act as pathways for water, sediment, and nutrient transport in a watershed.

Question 27

# Explain: How does climate **influence** river flow?

Answer 27

It influences **precipitation** and **seasonal runoff**, impacting rivers. ## Footnote In dry climates, rivers may shrink or disappear, while wet climates support more consistent flows.

Question 28

# True or False: All rivers **flow directly** into the ocean.

Answer 28

False ## Footnote Some rivers end in lakes, inland basins, or wetlands instead of reaching the ocean.

Question 29

# identify: What is a large, stationary body of water **surrounded** by land?

Answer 29

Lake ## Footnote **Lakes** store water and serve as habitats, water sources, and recreational areas.

Question 30

# Define: What is a **freshwater lake**?

Answer 30

A lake with **non-saline water**. ## Footnote A freshwater lake, such as *Lake Superior* or *Lake Baikal*, is essential for providing drinking water, supporting diverse ecosystems, and sustaining agricultural activities.

Question 31

# Identify: What is a **small**, **flowing** body of water that feeds into rivers or lakes?

Answer 31

Stream ## Footnote **Streams** are essential for ecosystems, transporting nutrients and supporting biodiversity.

Question 32

# Explain: What are the **three types of streams** based on flow?

Answer 32

1. Perennial 2. Intermittent 3. Ephemeral ## Footnote **Perennial**: Flows year-round, sustained by consistent water sources. **Intermittent**: Flows seasonally, active during wet periods. **Ephemeral**: Flows only briefly after rain or snowmelt.

Question 33

# True or False: All streams eventually **reach** rivers or lakes.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote Some streams disappear into the ground or end in closed basins.

Question 34

# Explain: How does geology **affect** stream formation?

Answer 34

It **shapes** streams and their paths by affecting the soil and land. ## Footnote Hard rocks resist erosion, creating steep channels, while soft sediments promote meandering streams.

Question 35

# Explain: What are **three ways** agriculture impacts water systems?

Answer 35

1. Irrigation 2. Fertilizer use 3. Land clearing ## Footnote **Irrigation**: Overdraws groundwater and surface water. **Fertilizer use**: Leads to runoff and eutrophication. **Land clearing**: Increases erosion and alters runoff patterns.

Question 36

# identify: What process causes **excessive algae growth** from nutrient-rich runoff?

Answer 36

Eutrophication ## Footnote **Eutrophication** leads to oxygen depletion and harms aquatic life, often caused by agricultural runoff.

Question 37

# Identify: What describes the **removal of trees**, increasing runoff and erosion?

Answer 37

Deforestation ## Footnote **Deforestation** reduces transpiration and destabilizes soil, leading to increased runoff and sedimentation in water systems.

Question 38

# Explain: What are **three human activities** that impact groundwater?

Answer 38

* Over-extraction for irrigation and drinking water. * Contamination from industrial chemicals or pesticides. * Urbanization, which reduces infiltration.