The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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- FrontThe Hydrologic Cycle
Define hydrologic cycle.
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Define hydrologic cycle.
The hydrologic cycle (or water cycle) is the continuous movement of water in different forms (solid, liquid, and gas) through Earth's systems.
What powers the hydrologic cycle?
The hydrologic cycle is powered by the sun, which drives processes such as evaporation and precipitation.
In the hydrologic cycle, water moves between sources, where it is released, and , where it is stored or absorbed.
In the hydrologic cycle, water moves between sources, where it is released, and sinks, where it is stored or absorbed.
What is the main way water enters the atmosphere?
Evaporation from oceans, lakes, and rivers is the main way water enters the atmosphere.
Define transpiration.
Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it as water vapor through tiny openings called stomata in their leaves.
True or False?
Evapotranspiration refers only to the water vapor released by plants.
False.
Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation from Earth's surface and transpiration from plants.
Define condensation.
Condensation is the process in which water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds or dew.
In what forms does precipitation fall to Earth's surface?
Precipitation falls to Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What happens to precipitation that does not infiltrate the ground?
Water that does not infiltrate flows over the land as runoff, collecting in rivers and lakes and eventually returning to the oceans.
True or False?
Percolation and infiltration are the same process.
False.
Infiltration is water seeping into the soil from the surface; percolation is the later downward movement of that water through soil and rock layers to reach aquifers.
Which is the largest hydrologic reservoir?
The oceans are the largest hydrologic reservoir, holding about 97% of Earth's water in saline form.
Define sublimation.
Sublimation is the direct transition of water from a solid (ice or snow) to a vapor without melting first.
Freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of Earth's water, and most of it is locked up in .
Freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of Earth's water, and most of it is locked up in ice.
How does groundwater complete the hydrologic cycle?
Groundwater in aquifers slowly moves and eventually discharges into rivers, lakes, or oceans, completing the cycle.
Where is groundwater stored?
Groundwater is stored beneath the surface in aquifers, which hold roughly 30% of all freshwater and are a key source of drinking water and irrigation.
True or False?
Water spends a long time in the atmosphere before returning to Earth's surface.
False.
Water spends only a short time in the atmosphere, where its vapor drives weather patterns and precipitation before it returns to the surface.
When does surface runoff typically occur?
Surface runoff typically occurs when the ground is saturated or impermeable, leaving excess water on the surface.
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