The Water Cycle
The cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans.
The water cycle
Which is Earth’s largest source of drinkable (available) water?
Groundwater (aquifer)
When rainwater reaches the earth's surface, it can run off into surface water bodies or infiltrate soil and rock to become groundwater. What surfaces would allow runoff and least infiltration of rainwater?
cement
What is MOST responsible for the presence of groundwater in an area?
The movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock.
when water is released from clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
Precipitation
Which event of the water cycle process has happen when water completely slows down. "Stand still"
Infilitration
Where do most of the dissolved oxygen in the ocean come from? ("how do we breathe")
ocean dwelling plants
What property of water helps moderate the weather of coastal areas?
High specific heat
What is the primary energy source driving the circulation of the ocean currents on earth?
Solar heating
Contributes to the water cycle by helping in the process of photosynthesis and the exchange of gases.
transpiration
The Water Cycle involves the ____________________ movement of water.
Continous
Which are the most abundant dissolved gasses in the ocean? (ex: Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, Carbon monoxide, etc.)
oxygen and carbon dioxide
A constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity.
The great ocean conveyor belt
What would MOST LIKELY result if more farms were developed along river basins in NC?
An increase in water pollution.
an integral part of the water cycle, which shows how water continuously cycles throughout the Earth in solid, liquid, and gaseous forms.
Condensation
When water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams it is called?
Why does plant plankton not grow in the deep ocean?
because sunlight does not reach the deep ocean or sunlight.
A process where the pattern of deflection is taken by objects not firmly connected to the ground as they travel long distances around the earth. ("earth's rotation")
The Coriolis effect
Which result is MOST LIKELY to occur after excessive withdrawal of groundwater in coastal areas?
Intrusion of saltwater into the water table.
occurs in the upper layers of the ground but may also continue further downwards into the water table.
Inflitration
Toxic runoff from streams can also?
Pollute groundwater
Where does most freshwater exist?
aquifers, ice caps, and glaciers
What will MOST Likely happen if a warm ocean current travels north or south from the equator?
The current will become cooler, causing it to become (more dense) denser and sink.
Which BEST explains why population growth can result in water shortages and rationing in certain areas?
Aquifers recharge only.
water "running off" the land surface.
Runoff