1.a,b,c. 3.a,b. 4.a,b. Flashcards

Question

condesation

Answer 1

vapour turns into liquid water. When air is cooled to it dew point, air become saturated, therefore cloud is formed

Answer 2

· Cumuliform cloud - flat base and vertical development It is the air heated through contact with earth surface and heated air rise freely through atmosphere (convection) and it expand (fall in pressure with altitude ) and cool · Striation / layer clouds - air mass move horizontally across a cooler surface eg ocean with some mixing (advection : transfer of heat or matter by the flow of a fluid ) · Wispy, circus cloud - form in high altitude areas. It consists of crystal and there is no precipitation. Therefore there is no influence Condensation at / near the fragment produce dew and fog . therefore, produce moisture in vegetation and other surface.

Answer 3

convection - air warmed by the contact with the ground or sea surface rise freely through the atmosphere. As increase , pressure increase. lead to expansion advection - air mass moves horizontally across a cooler surface air rises as it crosses a mountain barrier warmer air mixed with cooler air

Answer 4

rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the atmosphere

Answer 5

vertical temp profile of the low atmosphere ( 6.5 degree per km when it is higher in the atmosphere and it will get cooler)

Answer 6

parcel of dry air ( elevation of air ) as the parcel of air move up, it expand and cools, it cools quicker if condensation takes place

Answer 7

saturated parcel of air , cools slower if there is condensation, excess heating is known as latent heat

Answer 8

study of how water moves through a catchment area, which is a region where precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean

Answer 9

liquid water turns into water vapour - heat needs to break into the molecular bonds of water , energy input would not increase the temp in the water but will absorb as latent heat and release as condensation. this allow huge quantities of heat to be transferred eg ocean

Answer 10

vegetation interrupt the precipitation eg it stores on branch , leaves and stems. Moisture evaporates which will decrease interception and falls to the gorund

Answer 11

throughflow and stemflow through flow - rainwater , interception and drop to the floor stemflow- rain water drop to branches and steams and drop to the ground

Answer 12

interception storage capacity windspeed vegetation type tree species

Answer 13

rainfall directly drop to the ground without storage. Gravity into the soil and lateral movement / throughflow to streams and river

Answer 14

access to the ground water surface ( sleet , tricklets and rivulets) to streams and river channel. The rainfall intensity exceeds infiltration capacity , soil then become saturated and water rise to the surface.

Answer 15

soil are underlain by permeable rocks and water flow underground. When water migrates through rock pores and joint precipitation, it emerges to the surface as springs.

Answer 16

In late October, the UK experiences increased rainfall, which raises the water table as groundwater is replenished. This saturation leads to enhanced surface runoff, boosting discharge levels in rivers and streams. While temperatures may rise temporarily due to specific weather patterns, the overall trend in autumn is cooler conditions, which, along with shorter days and reduced solar radiation, decreases evapotranspiration. As a result, the combination of saturated soils and cooler air reduces the capacity for moisture loss from both soil and plants. This interplay of factors significantly impacts the hydrological cycle during this period.

Answer 17

cryosphere means water in solid form includes ( ice caps, glaciers) ablation, which refers to the loss of ice and snow due to melting, evaporation, and sublimation. During warmer months, meltwater becomes a crucial component of river flow, especially in high-latitude regions and mountainous catchments. In spring and summer, as temperatures rise, melting ice releases stored water, contributing to streamflow. Additionally, glaciers and ice caps act as reservoirs, temporarily locking up water and influencing sea levels. When these ice masses melt, they release water, which can significantly impact local and global hydrology.

Answer 18

number of stores and sinks connected by flow of carbon

Answer 19

atmosphere ocean carbonate rocks such as limestone and chalk, fossil fuels plant and soils biosphere

Answer 20

slow carbon cycle - rocks fast carbon cycle - plants and animals

Answer 21

take millions of years to transfer 1. carbon fixation - co2 from the atmosphere where marine organisms such as clams and corals make their shells and skeltons by fixing dissolved carbon tgt with calcium 2. sediment accumulation - death of the organisms sink to the ocean floor and accumulate over years. heat and pressure then convert them into carbon rich sediment rocks 3, chemical weathering - precipitation with co2 in the atmosphere form a weak acid. the acid attacks the carbonate minerals in rock releasing co2 to the atmosphere and in dissolved form to streams , river and ocean 4, organic material burial - land composed the organic material eg buried underneath younger sediment to form carbon access rock such as coal and oil, Deep ocean sediment such as fossil fuels acts as carbon sink

Answer 22

circulates rapidly between the atmosphere, ocean and living organisms and soils. these transfers are 10-1000 times faster than sow carbon cycles carbon fixation - microphytoplankton and plants Through photosynthesis, these organisms combine carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with water to produce carbohydrates, such as glucose. This process forms the foundation of the food chain, while respiration, the opposite process, releases CO2 back into the atmosphere. organic material burial - decomposition of dead organic matter by microbes returns carbon to the atmosphere. In this fast cycle, carbon exchange occurs between the atmosphere and the ocean, where CO2 dissolves in surface water and is later ventilated back into the atmosphere. Individual carbon atoms can be stored through natural sequestration for about 350 years, highlighting the dynamic nature of the fast carbon cycle.

Answer 23

precipitation respiration decomposition ocean exchange sediment volcanic activity

Answer 24

co2+ water - forms the weak carbonic acid. concentrated due to anthropogenic emissions ( release of greenhouse gases) and increase the acidity

Answer 25

carbon from atmosphere to land plant and phytoplankton via photosynthesis averaging around 120 GT. Using the sun energy , co2 from the atmosphere and water, green plants and marine phytoplankton convert light energy to chemical energy ( glucose ) through the process of photosynthesis. Plant use energy in form of glucose to maintain growth , reproduction and other life processes, they release co2 to atmosphere in respiration

Answer 26

chemical biological physical

Answer 27

- rainwater is a weak carbonic acid, slowly dissolves limestone and chalk . Carbonation release carbon from limestones to streams, rivers, oceans and the atmosphere. Process beneath a soil cover because of the high concentration of co2 in the soil makes rainwater more acidic. Transferred 0.3 billion tones of carbon in to the atmosphere and ocean every year eg of limestone - Norber Brow in Yorkshire Dales , limestone surface lowered by nearly half a meter in the past 13000 years

Answer 28

· chelation contribute to rock break down. Rainwater mixed with dead an decaying organic material in the soil form humid acid which attacks rock materials

Answer 29

freeze thaw break into smaller particles but no chemical change. Expected surface area lead to chemical attack

Answer 30

glucose and oxygen = co2 and water · Plants and animals absorb oxygen which burn carbohydrates and provide energy needed for metabolism and growth> respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis · Respiration and photosynthesis is the most important process in the carbon cycle

Answer 31

deposition bacteria eg bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, extracting the energy and release the co2. The rate of decomposition depends on the factor occur in the warm and humid period. In contrast, the rate of composition is slow in cold environment like tundra and drylands

Answer 32

presence of oxygen. Combustion release co2 - natural fuel used in ecosystem - wildfire essential eg coniferous forest of the rocky mountains - long cold winter slows the decomposition of the forest litter which builds up the forest floor - fire shift the log jam, freeing carbon and nutrients inaccessible to forest trees - open up forest canopy, create new habitat and increase biodiversity

Answer 33

combustion of fossil fuels - carbon dioxide from geological store to atmosphere, ocean and biosphere

Answer 34

carbon sequestration in the ocean- taking carbon out in the fast circulation cycle and lock it in the long term storage. it absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases. physical carbon pump biological carbon pump

Answer 35

- co2 dissolves into the surface ocean from the atmosphere - cold water hold more co2 , so carbon absorption is higher in colder regions - ocean current transport and sink co2 rich water to the deep ocean , storing it for centuries

Answer 36

around 50 GT is drawn from the atmosphere by the biological pump every year marine organisms drive the pump , phytoplankton float near the ocean surface and combine sunlight, water and dissolved co2 to produce organic material - cold water sinks the co2 through the marine food chain , carbon is locked in the phytoplankton and accumulates in sediment in ocean floor / decomposed back as co2 - other marine organisms such as molluscs extract carbonate and calcium ions from sea water to manufacture plates, shells and skeletons of calcium carbonate carbon rich material end up in ocean sediment and ultimately compressed and compacted into rocks forming chalk and limestone - Phytoplankton (tiny ocean plants) absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter. - This organic carbon is transferred up the food chain or sinks to the ocean floor when organisms die, where it can be stored for thousands of years

Answer 37

land plants esp tree contain huge store of carbon. Many extracted from atmospheric co2 through photosynthesis and is locked away

Answer 38

urbanisation farming forestry

Answer 39

from rural to urban , farmland and woodland is replaced by housing and factories, the artificial surface is impermeable so there is only little to no infiltration and only provide a minimal water capacity for run off

Answer 40

clearance of forest will reduce the carbon storage in biomass and the soil carbon storage can be reduced by ploughing ( turning the uppermost soil ) and exposure of soil organic matter to oxidisation losses occur through harvesting crops only small organic matter return to soil carbon cycle- lack of biodiversity in the farming system , growth cycle of crops compress to just 4 and 5 months

Answer 41

Irrigation Practices Diverting Water: Farming often relies on irrigation, which involves diverting surface water from rivers and extracting groundwater. This water is used to support crop growth on cultivated land. Soil Storage and Transpiration: Water is stored in the soil and released through transpiration (the process by which plants release water vapor). However, this process can lead to losses due to evaporation and drainage, which can reduce the overall efficiency of water use in agriculture. 2. Rainfall Interception Comparison with Ecosystems: Annual crops (like grains) intercept less rainfall compared to forests and grassland ecosystems. This means that less water is retained in the soil for plants to use, affecting both evaporation and transpiration rates from leaf surfaces. 3. Ploughing Effects Increased Evaporation: The act of ploughing can increase evaporation rates and lead to greater loss of soil moisture. Drainage Channels: When ploughing is done downslope, it can create channels that accelerate runoff and increase soil erosion. This reduces the amount of water that can infiltrate the soil. 4. Infiltration Rates Enhanced Infiltration: Farming practices like ploughing can improve soil structure, leading to greater infiltration of water. However, this can also lead to artificially increased water transfer to streams and lakes through underdrainage systems. Surface Runoff: The increase in surface runoff means that during rain events, the peak flow in streams is generally higher in agricultural areas compared to natural ecosystems. This can lead to flooding and other hydrological changes.

Answer 42

erception increased evaporation reduced run off and stream discharge high interception and evaporation rate lead to rate of absorption change. Streams draining have a long lag time therefore there is a low discharge and low peak flow compared to farmland , higher interception rate harvest timber eg clear cutting creates sudden and temporary change to water cycle, increase run off, reduce evapotranspiration and increase stream discharge

Answer 43

river kennet catchment rates of underwater extraction have exceed rate of recharge and falling water table have reduced by 10-14% during 2003 drought, flow decreased by 20% and in dry condition , it decreased by 40% lower flows will reduce the flooding and temporary area of standing water and wetland. Lower ground water will cause springs and seepage to dry up and reduce the incidence of saturated overland flow

Answer 44

- An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water. It typically consists of permeable materials (like sand, gravel, or rock) that can hold water and allow it to flow - Ground water is abstracted from public supplies such as wells and boreholes emerging in the springs and seepages (slow movement of fluid through small openings or cracks in the surface of unsaturated soil) groundwater feed river and make major contribution to the base flow within an aquifers , upper surface of saturation is called water table, it height fluctuates and affect by seasonal rainfall, droughts and abstraction

Answer 45

- contains a confined aquifer under pressure. In an artesian basin, water is trapped between impermeable layers of rock or clay. - When a well is drilled into an artesian aquifer, the water within can rise to the surface naturally due to the pressure, sometimes flowing freely without the need for pumping. - Artesian basins are often associated with large-scale groundwater systems and can cover extensive areas.

Answer 46

rainwater seeps into the chalk at the edges of the area and then flows toward the middle. The trapped water in the chalk can be under pressure, allowing it to rise up in wells. The combination of the chalk absorbing water and being surrounded by London and Gault clay is what makes this groundwater system work.

Answer 47

Combustion Process: When we burn fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy—such as in power plants—carbon stored in these fuels is released as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This happens during the combustion process, where fuels react with oxygen to produce energy, heat, and CO2. Carbon Transfer: To the Atmosphere: The CO2 emitted during combustion contributes to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which can lead to climate change. To the Oceans: Some CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed by oceans, leading to ocean acidification, which can harm marine life. ccs is the technology to reduce the co2

Answer 48

Capture CO2: At power plants or industrial sites, CO2 produced during combustion is captured before it can enter the atmosphere. This is done using special technologies that can separate CO2 from other gases produced during the combustion process. Compression and Transportation: After the CO2 is captured, it is compressed to reduce its volume. This makes it easier to transport. The compressed CO2 is then transported through pipelines to storage sites. Storage: The compressed CO2 is injected into porous rock formations deep underground. These formations can hold the CO2 securely, preventing it from escaping back into the atmosphere. This storage can be permanent if done correctly.

Answer 49

Reducing Emissions: In the USA, about 40% of CO2 emissions come from coal and gas power plants. CCS has the potential to reduce these emissions by 80-90%, making significant strides in tackling climate change. however, big capital cost for example the Drax project cost 1 billion use large amt of energy for example, 20 % of the power plant output is needed to compressed it require storage

Answer 50

automatic response that disturb a system balance

Answer 51

when the system change and restore equilibrium think about how it go back to balance

Answer 52

when the initial change cause increase effect this cause this and cause this

Answer 53

eg 1 When precipitation occurs, it fills rivers and streams and increases soil moisture. If soil moisture levels rise too high, plants may absorb more water, increasing transpiration (the release of water vapor from plant leaves). Increased transpiration can lower soil moisture levels, which brings the system back to balance. Thus, plant growth helps control water levels in a negative feedback loop. eg 2 In a drainage basin, increased temperatures can enhance evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation and transpiration). More water vapor in the atmosphere can lead to increased cloud formation and precipitation. If temperatures drop following increased cloud cover, this can reduce evaporation rates, bringing the system back into balance.

Answer 54

eg 1 Climate Change and Permafrost Thawing: ( artic ) Initial Change: Rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions lead to the thawing of permafrost in polar regions. Consequences: Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon in the form of CO2 and methane (a potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere. Amplifying Effect: As more greenhouse gases are released, this further increases global temperatures, causing even more permafrost to thaw and release additional carbon, creating an accelerating cycle of warming and carbon release. eg 2 Ocean Warming and Carbon Uptake: Initial Change: Higher atmospheric CO2 levels lead to increased ocean temperatures. Consequences: Warmer oceans can hold less CO2, which means that the oceans will absorb less carbon from the atmosphere. Amplifying Effect: Reduced carbon uptake by the oceans leads to higher atmospheric CO2 levels, which further contributes to global warming and accelerates this feedback loop. eg3 Forest Fires and Carbon Release: Initial Change: Increased temperatures and prolonged droughts cause more frequent and intense forest fires. Consequences: These fires release significant amounts of CO2 stored in trees and vegetation into the atmosphere. Amplifying Effect: The increased CO2 levels contribute to further warming and more drought conditions, leading to even more forest fires and additional carbon emissions.

Answer 55

eg 1 As global temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers melt. This ice is white and reflective, meaning it helps reflect sunlight away from the Earth. When the ice melts, darker ocean or land surfaces are exposed, which absorb more heat. This additional heat accelerates further ice melting, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. eg 2 Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation of water, increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Water vapor is a potent greenhouse gas, which can further increase temperatures, leading to even more evaporation and further increases in water vapor.

Answer 56

Increased Plant Growth: Initial Change: Higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere can stimulate plant growth (a phenomenon known as CO2 fertilization). Consequences: More plant growth leads to greater absorption of CO2 during photosynthesis, effectively removing it from the atmosphere. Regulating Effect: This increased uptake of carbon by plants can help mitigate the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, acting as a stabilizing feedback mechanism. increase of NPP can be observed in Amazon rainforest with lower rainfall, less cloud cover and more sunlight

Answer 57

Variations in carbon uptake and release processes driven by sunlight and temperature shifts. During the day, plants are actively engaged in photosynthesis, a process where they capture solar energy to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose and oxygen. This leads to a significant reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels during daylight hours. However, once the sun sets, photosynthesis ceases, and plants, along with other organisms, continue to respire, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere. Soil respiration also contributes to this carbon release, as microbes and plant roots metabolize organic matter, particularly when temperatures are warmer during the day.

Answer 58

- Seasonal changes in the water cycle are characterized by fluctuations in precipitation, evaporation, and soil moisture dynamics. - Different seasons bring distinct patterns of rainfall, with many regions experiencing wet and dry cycles. For instance, temperate climates may face snow in winter and increased rainfall in the spring and summer, whereas tropical areas often encounter monsoon seasons producing heavy rains. - Warmer summer months lead to higher evaporation rates from water bodies and soil, reducing water levels, while cooler winter temperatures decrease these rates. - Additionally, spring thaw from snowmelt enhances soil moisture and promotes groundwater recharge, whereas summer dryness may lower soil moisture and impact plant growth. effect : agricultural practice, influencing ecosystem and availability of water resources

Answer 59

During spring and summer, longer days and warmer temperatures stimulate vigorous plant growth, leading to increased photosynthetic activity that sequesters significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. Conversely, in autumn, many plants shed their leaves, reducing carbon uptake as photosynthesis declines and respiration takes place . Winter months see minimal plant activity, with many organisms entering dormancy, resulting in lower rates of photosynthesis. However, soil respiration, driven by microbial activity, can remain high in warmer months, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere. Thus, the carbon cycle exhibits distinct seasonal fluxes, with net carbon uptake occurring predominantly during the growing season and a potential net release in fall and winter.

Answer 60

Earth has experienced numerous glacial and interglacial periods, significantly impacting water storage. During ice ages, large volumes of water are stored as ice in glaciers and polar ice caps, reducing sea levels and altering river flows. Conversely, during warmer interglacial periods, melting glaciers release vast quantities of freshwater, leading to rising sea levels and changes in ocean salinity and circulation. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns over millions of years influence soil moisture, groundwater storage, and surface water availability, which can modify ecosystems and biodiversity.

Answer 61

Over millions of years, carbon has been sequestered in geological formations through processes such as the formation of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and carbonate sediments (e.g., limestone). The burial of organic materials in sedimentary rock formations creates long-term carbon stores. For example, the increase in vegetation during certain geological periods led to significant carbon accumulation in peat and coal deposits. Conversely, during periods of volcanic activity, carbon stored in rocks can be released back into the atmosphere, affecting long-term carbon levels and climate. The emergence of land plants over 400 million years ago increased the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. Large-scale deforestation during periods of glaciation also affected carbon storage and released stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate changes. Oceanic processes have played a vital role in the long-term carbon cycle. For instance, the development of marine organisms that build calcium carbonate shells and skeletal structures (like corals and mollusks) facilitated carbon sequestration through the biological pump. The deposition of these structures into ocean sediments has been an essential mechanism for long-term carbon storage.

Answer 62

atmosphere ( plants ) atmospheric co2 ( greenhouse effect ) plant are important store for carbon - extract water from the soil and transpire as a part of the water cycle. Water evaporate from ocean to atmosphere and co2 exchanged from the 2 store - phytoplankton and atmosphere co2 ocean - ocean acidity atmospheric co2 lead to acidity of the ocean cryosphere - permafrost melting expose land and sea surface, expose organic material to deoxidization and decomposition - increase radiation from the sun - lead to higher co2 - more greenhouse gases - melting leads to increase surface runoff, overland flow - influencing the water cycle increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to higher levels of dissolved CO2 in the oceans, resulting in the formation of carbonic acid and an increase in hydrogen ion concentration. This process decreases the pH of ocean waters, causing ocean acidification. As a consequence, marine ecosystems and species that rely on calcium carbonate face significant challenges, which may have profound implications for ocean health and biodiversity.

Answer 63

deforestation ( amazon rainforest)

Answer 64

wetland restoration afforestation agricultural practice international agreement to reduce carbon emissions such as cap and trade

Answer 65

drainage basin - most effective

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