Hydrosphere review

Front

What is the role of wetlands in water purification?

Back

Wetlands slow down the water flow when the water encounters the vegetation. This allows the sediments and pollutants to drop out of the water before the water moves on.

Front

What does transpiration refer to in the water cycle?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What process brings water into the ground?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil and becomes groundwater.

Front

Where does most fresh water exist?

Back

Most fresh water exists in aquifers, ice caps, and glaciers.

Front

What energy source drives the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides energy for water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Front

Define infiltration in the context of the hydrosphere.

Back

Infiltration is the process of water entering the soil from the surface.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and into bodies of water.

Front

Explain the process of evaporation.

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.

Front

What is the significance of aquifers?

Back

Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock that store significant amounts of fresh water.