science Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is one of the most remarkable features of Earth?
Water
Life on Earth is dependent on water and its characteristics.
What is the only substance on Earth that is normally found in all three physical states?
Water
Water can exist as gas, liquid, and solid.
What type of water makes up most of Earth’s water supply?
Salt water in the oceans
Where is most freshwater found?
Frozen in ice caps and glaciers
Most liquid freshwater is located underground.
What term describes the amount of time water stays in a reservoir?
Residence time
What happens to water when it freezes?
It expands
What phenomenon causes water vapor to condense into clouds?
Condensation
What is the water cycle?
The movement of water through the oceans, atmosphere, land, and living things.
What process involves plants releasing water vapor through their leaves?
Transpiration
Fill in the blank: _______ is the process by which water soaks into the ground.
Infiltration
What is the primary use of water today?
Agriculture
Which irrigation method is the most efficient?
Drip irrigation
Water is used for which industrial purpose?
Electricity generation
What is the first step in the wastewater treatment process?
A screen removes large floating objects
True or False: People in developed countries use a greater proportion of the world’s water than those in less developed countries.
True
What is water scarcity?
Not having enough fresh, clean water available
What is economic water scarcity?
Limited access to water due to human, institutional, and financial constraints.
What is a drought?
A period of abnormally low rainfall
Name a pathogen that can contaminate water.
Cholera
Other examples include E. Coli, Legionella, Giardia, and Guinea Worms.
What does the term ‘conservation’ mean?
The act of saving something
List two ways to conserve water.
- Using drip irrigation
- Installing low-flow showerheads
Fill in the blank: Water conservation is saving _______.
Water
