Processes

Question 1

Evapotranspiration

Answer 1

This is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gaseous state (water vapor) due to heat, moving from bodies of water and moist surfaces into the atmosphere

Question 2

Interception

Answer 2

the temporary storage of water on the surfaces of plants and buildings before it reaches the ground, impacting the hydrological cycle.

Question 3

Stem flow

Answer 3

the flow of intercepted precipitation down the trunk or stem of a plant, contributing to the transfer of water and nutrients from the canopy to the soil.

Question 4

Through flow

Answer 4

the lateral (sideways) movement of water within the soil, typically along lines of seepage (percaline), towards a river or stream.

Question 5

Infiltration

Answer 5

the process by which water on the ground surface enters and moves into the soil

Question 6

Percolation

Answer 6

the vertical movement of water from the soil into the permeable rock layers beneath

Question 7

Open system

Answer 7

Open systems have external inputs and outputs of energy and matter exchange at its boundaries

Question 8

Closed system

Answer 8

Closed systems only have energy as its input and output, matter is contained within the system boundary

Question 9

Is the global hydrological system a closed or open system?

Answer 9

The global hydrological system is a closed system meaning there are no external inputs or outputs, water is not lost or gained from space

It is defined as :
‘the continuous movement of water on, above and below the Earth’s surface’

Question 10

How is the water cycle a series of processes that water is constantly recycled through the system?

Answer 10

Evaporation - the sun evaporates surface water into vapour

Condensation - water vapour condenses and precipitates

Flows - water runs off the surface into streams and reservoirs or beneath the surface as ground flow

Question 11

Residence time

Answer 11

The time water is held in a store