Water cycle revision resource Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the only example of an isolated system?
The Universe
Define a closed system?
A closed system has inputs and outputs of energy, but not materials
Define a drainage basin
The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries
Is a drainage basin an open, closed or isolated system?
An open system as both energy and material are transferred
What are the differences between and isolated, closed and open system?
Isolated = No inputs of material or energy e.g the Universe
Closed = Inputs and outputs of energy but not materials e.g global water cycle
Open = Inputs and outputs of both energy and material e.g a drainage basin
Rank in order of holding the most amount of water- Biosphere, Polar ice and glaciers, soils, atmosphere, lakes, oceans, Groundwater (aquifers), rivers
Largest = Ocean, Polar ice and glaciers, Groundwater (aquifers), Lakes, Soils, Atmosphere, Rivers, Biosphere = Smallest
What percentage of global water is salt water?
97%
What percentage of the Earths surface do the five oceanic bodies and several smaller seas cover?
72% of the Earths surface
Why has the pH of the ocean changed?
There has been greater absorption of carbon dioxide recently
What is the cyrosphere composed of?
Cyrosphere = Composed of sea ice, ice caps, ice sheets, Alpine glaciers and permafrost
Where is cryospheric water found?
Mainly in high altitude and high-latitude areas
Is the global water cycle a closed, open or isolated system?
A closed system, as only energy in the form of light or heat leaves and enters and no water has ever left or joined
