Hydrosphere (p1) Flashcards
(90 cards)
1
Q
What does the hydrosphere contain?
A
Water in all its forms found on, in, and around the Earth.
2
Q
What is the natural hydrological cycle In?
A
It is in a state of dynamic equilibrium.
3
Q
What can human activities alter in the hydrological cycle?
A
Rates of processes, leading to changes in residence times and quantities in reservoirs.
4
Q
What are the key properties of water?
A
- Cohesion
- High specific heat capacity
- Universal solvent
- Solid water is less dense than liquid water
- Absorbs UV radiation
- Provides aquatic habitats
- high surface tension
5
Q
What percentage of Earth’s water is salt water?
A
More than 97 percent.
6
Q
What is the impact of population change on global water demand?
A
Increased demand for water due to higher birth rates and immigration.
7
Q
What is the relationship between affluence and water use?
A
As affluence increases, water demand increases due to more appliances requiring water.
8
Q
What type of farming relies on available water and tends to be small scale?
A
Subsistence farming.
9
Q
What is a significant change in water use in the UK industry over the past 100 years?
A
Shift from heavy industry to tertiary or quaternary sector jobs.
10
Q
What drives the movement of water and processes in the hydrological cycle?
A
Energy.
11
Q
What is dynamic equilibrium?
A
A balance with no overall change produced by processes whose effects cancel each other out.
12
Q
What are the main processes in the hydrological cycle?
A
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Transpiration
- Infiltration
- Percolation
- Runoff
13
Q
What is precipitation?
A
The general term used to describe all the ways moisture comes out of the atmosphere.
14
Q
What is the residence time in the hydrological cycle?
A
The average length of time that water stays in a particular reservoir before moving to another.
15
Q
What factors control residence time?
A
- Volume of water in the reservoir
- Average rate of movement of molecules
16
Q
How can human activities impact the hydrological cycle?
A
They can alter rates of movement between reservoirs, upsetting dynamic equilibria.
17
Q
What are the three major uses of water globally?
A
- Agriculture (70%)
- Industry (15%)
- Domestic use (15%)
18
Q
What percentage of Earth’s water is freshwater?
A
About 2.5%.
19
Q
What is over-abstraction?
A
The removal of water from rivers or underground supplies beyond sustainable limits.
20
Q
What are the impacts of over-abstraction on rivers?
A
- Reduced downstream flow
- Increased sedimentation
- Reduced water levels
- Conflict over water resources
21
Q
What is a reservoir?
A
A storage of water created by a dam holding back the flow of a river.
22
Q
What is the main cost associated with constructing a reservoir?
A
The dam.
23
Q
What is a key consequence of climate change on water resources?
A
New reservoirs may be needed, especially in lowland areas.
24
Q
Fill in the blank: The average length of time that water stays in a particular reservoir is known as _______.
A
[residence time]
25
What can reservoirs be created by?
Diverting a river to flood land, including villages.
26
What impact is climate change likely to have on reservoirs?
New reservoirs will be needed and some existing reservoirs will be enlarged.
27
What topographical feature is ideal for a reservoir?
A thin ‘funnel’ shaped exit leading to a large open basin.
28
What geological characteristic is necessary for a reservoir?
The groundrock must be impermeable.
29
What is a catchment area?
The area where all water that falls as rain will end up in the reservoir.
30
What climate conditions are preferred for a reservoir?
Not too hot or dry to avoid excessive evaporation losses.
31
What effect does sedimentation have on a reservoir?
It decreases the volume of water that the reservoir can hold.
32
List the eight requirements of a reservoir site.
* Topography: Basin with large volume and small surface area
* Geology: Impermeable rock with no unstable faults
* Catchment area: Large catchment area
* Water supply: Reliable, regular rainfall
* Existing land use: No important existing uses
* Pollution risk: No high risk activities
* Sedimentation: Low sediment load in inflow water
* Infrastructure: Availability of workers and materials.
33
What are the four main types of environmental effects caused by reservoirs?
* Habitat Changes
* Wildlife barriers
* Changes in River Flow
* Sedimentation Changes
34
How can reservoirs regulate river flow?
By holding back water during times of surplus and letting it flow during shortages.
35
What is one impact of changes in river flow due to reservoirs?
Less flooding downstream can affect species survival.
36
What is a microclimate created by reservoirs?
A localized climate that differs from the surrounding area.
37
What is the significance of sedimentation in reservoirs?
Sediments settle in the reservoir and reduce floodplain fertility downstream.
38
What is an aquifer?
A permeable rock that stores groundwater and allows it to flow readily.
39
What are the main features of an aquifer?
* Permeability
* Porosity
* Suitable geographical structures
40
What is permeability?
The measure of the ease with which fluids may flow through a rock.
41
What is porosity?
The total volume of the pore space that can hold water.
42
What happens during aquifer recharge?
Water percolates through permeable soil and rock to the aquifer.
43
What are the advantages of groundwater?
* Cheaper than building a reservoir
* Less environmental impact
* No evaporation losses
44
What happens when an aquifer is over-exploited?
It can lead to changes in surface hydrology, ecological impacts, and saltwater incursion.
45
What is a cone of depression?
A lowering of the water table around a well due to over-extraction.
46
What is a significant problem in monitoring aquifers?
Regular checking of well levels is slow and difficult.
47
What is the outcome of saltwater incursion in aquifers?
It makes aquifers unsuitable for irrigation.
48
What is a specific conflict problem with reservoirs?
Previous land use will no longer be possible, leading to dissatisfaction among farmers.
49
What is the impact of new abstractions on existing water users?
New abstractions can conflict with existing users, especially if unsustainable, leading to fairness issues for downstream users.
50
What are the potential problems associated with reservoirs?
* Previous land-use disruption
* Aesthetic damage
* Increased water supply
* Renewable energy potential
* Restrictions on catchment activities
* Fish migration restrictions
* Sediment buildup affecting species
* Heavy metal pollution
51
How do aquifers affect surface land use?
Aquifers generally do not impact surface use, which is beneficial for farmers, but excessive abstraction can lower ground levels.
52
What strategies are included in water conservation and management?
* Exploit new sources of water
* Sustainably manage existing resources
53
What is the purpose of rainwater collection?
To supplement water supply in areas with high demand, reduce urban flooding, and provide water in rural areas without supply.
54
What is an estuary barrage?
A dam built across an estuary to create a freshwater barrage, with fewer land conflicts than reservoirs.
55
What is the process of artificial recharge of aquifers?
Using surplus water during high rainfall to recharge aquifers by pumping water underground.
56
What is the role of river-regulation reservoirs?
To regulate river flow extremes caused by deforestation and urbanization, maintaining river levels during low rainfall.
57
What is inter-basin transfer?
Transferring water from areas with a surplus to areas with a shortage using canals and pipes.
58
What are the advantages of recycling greywater?
* Replaces potable water use
* Saves money
* Reduces storm-water system load
* Beneficial for gardening
59
What are the disadvantages of greywater recycling?
* Potential harmful compounds
* Can kill plants
* Costs of installation and maintenance
60
What types of pollution control methods are used for water conservation?
* Oil pollution control
* Sewage treatment
* Acid mine drainage control
* Heavy metal waste control
* Landfill leachate treatment
61
What is the issue with water distribution networks in the UK?
10% of purified water is lost due to leaks before reaching consumers.
62
What is the impact of metering on water usage?
Encourages lower water use by charging based on consumption, leading to an average reduction of 15%.
63
What processes are involved in freshwater treatment?
* Multi-stage treatment is required to make water potable.
64
What is the definition of potable water?
Water that is safe to drink, free from contamination, and acceptable in taste and smell.
65
What testing criteria are used for water quality?
* Physical: turbidity
* Chemical: pH, calcium, pesticides
* Biological: E. Coli
66
What is turbidity?
The amount of suspended solids in water that can affect appearance and taste.
67
What is the ideal pH range for drinking water?
Between 6.5 and 8.5.
68
What are the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in water?
Can damage the nervous system and affect the development of infants.
69
What is reverse osmosis?
A process where salt water is forced through a membrane to remove impurities, requiring significant energy.
70
What is the natural process that mimics desalination?
Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
71
What is the purpose of distillation in water treatment?
To boil water and condense steam for purification.
72
What is the significance of maintaining river levels during low rainfall?
Prevents negative impacts on ecosystems and water supply.
73
What is xeriscaping?
Managing landscapes by using drought-resistant plants to reduce water needs.
74
What is the primary characteristic of potable water for public supply?
No pathogens
## Footnote
Potable water must be free from harmful microorganisms to ensure public health.
75
What are some indicators of potable water quality?
* Smells & tastes good
* No public health risk/disease outbreak
* Low turbidity
* Consumer complaints
## Footnote
Good sensory qualities and low turbidity indicate better water quality.
76
What is a key characteristic of irrigation water?
Low levels of toxins e.g. heavy metals
## Footnote
This ensures that the water does not harm crops or soil.
77
What can cause blocked water pipes?
* Contamination of food
* Scum from textiles
* Mineral deposits
## Footnote
These issues can lead to reduced efficiency and safety hazards in water systems.
78
What is necessary for industrial boiler water?
No gross solids
## Footnote
Gross solids can cause operational issues in industrial applications.
79
What is the first step in the freshwater treatment process?
Screening
## Footnote
This removes floating vegetation, plastics, or paper to prevent clogging.
80
What happens during the sedimentation step of freshwater treatment?
Water is left static to allow suspended solids to settle out
## Footnote
This makes it easier to remove particulates.
81
What is the purpose of aeration in water treatment?
To increase the DO content
## Footnote
Low DO causes anaerobic conditions, leading to unpleasant odors.
82
What is flocculation and how does it work?
Clay particles are neutralized with a flocculant to allow them to settle
## Footnote
This process helps in the removal of fine particles that do not settle naturally.
83
What is the function of sand filters in water treatment?
To remove remaining suspended solids and bacteria
## Footnote
Sand filters enhance the clarity and safety of water.
84
What do activated carbon filters remove?
Organic chemicals such as pesticides
## Footnote
Activated carbon adsorbs harmful substances, improving water quality.
85
What are the methods of disinfection in water treatment?
* Chlorination (most common )
* Ozone
* UV radiation
## Footnote
These methods are used to kill pathogens and ensure safe drinking water.
86
True or False: Ozone helps to remove pesticides from water.
True
## Footnote
Ozone reacts with various contaminants, enhancing water treatment.
87
What is the role of coagulants like alum in water treatment?
To neutralize electrical charges and clump particles into flocs
## Footnote
This process aids in the removal of colloidal materials.
88
What does the clarification step achieve in water treatment?
Removal of flocs by settlement in the clarifier tank
## Footnote
This step ensures clearer water before further treatment.
89
What is the purpose of fluoridation in water treatment?
Removes organic chemicals and substances that cause bad taste
## Footnote
Fluoridation can also help in dental health.
90
During which step does settling take place to remove suspended solids?
Aeration
## Footnote
This process involves static water allowing solids to settle naturally.
