Water Properties Flashcard

Front

What percentage of Earth's freshwater is available for living things?

Back

1.7% of Earth's freshwater is available for living organisms.

Front

What makes water behave differently from other liquids?

Back

Water behaves differently from other liquids due to its polarity, which leads to unique properties such as high surface tension and solvent capabilities.

Front

What happens to sediment and biodiversity as rivers flatten out?

Back

As rivers flatten out, sediment and biodiversity increase due to slower water flow allowing for sediment deposition and habitat creation.

Front

What is the characteristic of headwaters?

Back

Headwaters are characterized by cold water that flows quickly and typically has low biodiversity due to harsh conditions.

Front

How do aquifers store water?

Back

Aquifers store water in permeable, saturated rock and slow-moving water in its pores, allowing for groundwater storage.

Front

Define polarity in the context of water molecules.

Back

Polarity in water molecules refers to the distribution of electrical charge, where oxygen is slightly negative and hydrogen is slightly positive, leading to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

Back

Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significant temperature changes, stabilizing climates and ecosystems.

Front

Explain the concept of watershed.

Back

A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet, such as a river or lake.

Front

What role do wetlands play in the environment?

Back

Wetlands act as natural water filters, flood buffers, and habitats for diverse species, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Front

What is the difference between surface water and groundwater?

Back

Surface water is found in bodies like rivers and lakes, while groundwater is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers.