The Water Cycle Flashcards
(26 cards)
Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle)
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth through various processes.
Aquifer
A geological formation of permeable rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater.
Residence Time
The average time water spends in a particular part of the cycle (e.g., atmosphere, ocean, groundwater).
Water Balance
The relationship between inputs (precipitation) and outputs (evapotranspiration and runoff) in a drainage basin or region.
Drainage Basin
An area of land where all precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river or lake.
Cryosphere
The frozen water part of the Earth system, including glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, which acts as a carbon and water reservoir.
Catchment Area
The total area from which rainfall drains into a river or reservoir.
Water Abstraction
The process of taking water from natural sources (rivers, lakes, aquifers) for human use such as agriculture, industry, or domestic consumption.
Water Pollution
The contamination of water bodies caused by human activities, such as chemicals, sewage, or industrial waste, which affects water quality and ecosystem health.
Urbanisation
The growth of cities and towns, which increases impermeable surfaces (like concrete), reducing infiltration and increasing surface runoff and flood risk.
Irrigation
The artificial application of water to land to assist crop growth, which can alter local water balances by increasing water withdrawal from rivers or groundwater.
Dam
A barrier built across rivers to store water, regulate flow, and provide resources like hydroelectric power or irrigation, which can disrupt natural flow regimes.
Water Management
Human strategies and policies for controlling and using water resources sustainably, including flood defenses, reservoirs, and water treatment.
Flood Risk
The likelihood of flooding occurring due to natural and human factors such as heavy rainfall, urban development, and land-use changes.
Groundwater Depletion
Excessive extraction of groundwater faster than it is naturally replenished, leading to falling water tables and reduced water availability.
Water Scarcity
When the demand for water exceeds the available supply, often due to population growth, drought, or inefficient water use.
Climate Change Impact on Water Cycle
Human-driven climate change alters precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, and water storage, increasing the frequency of droughts and floods.
Water Footprint
The total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or business.
Water Regime
The pattern of flow variation in a river or water source over a year, reflecting changes in volume and timing of discharge due to factors like precipitation, evaporation, and human activity.
Water Stress
A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply within a region, leading to shortages that affect people, agriculture, and industry.
Aquifer Recharge
The process by which water from precipitation or surface water infiltrates down to replenish groundwater stores.
Flash Flood
A sudden, rapid flooding of low-lying areas caused by intense rainfall over a short period.
Hydrograph Lag Time
The delay between peak rainfall and peak river discharge in a catchment area.
Infiltration Capacity
The maximum rate at which soil can absorb rainfall.
