River Environments

The Hydrological Cycle

Closed System - There is a fixed amount of water in the Cycle. STORES: The Atmosphere Stored as Water Vapour or Minute Droplets. The Land Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, Vegetation, Groundwater. Mostly liquid, occasionally in Solid Form. The Sea Over 95% of Earth's water. Mostly liquid, occasionally solid form, in glaciers. FLOWS: The transfer of water between stores. Evaporation Water converted from a liquid to a gas. Transpiration The liquid plants have absorbed is 'breathed' into the atmosphere as water vapour. Condensation Water vapour in the atmosphere cools and turns to liquid. Precipitation Transfer of water in any form, from the atmosphere to the land/sea. Overland Flow Water that hits the ground, entering a stream, river or lake. AKA, Run Off. Infiltration Movement of water through the soil and rock into the groundwater.

Drainage Basins and their Features

Open System - The amount of water in the system continuously varies over time. STRUCTURE OF DRAINAGE BASINS: Watershed Follows the tops of the hills. Source In the higher parts of the basin.