Question

Define precipitation, infiltration, runoff, capillary water, transpiration, evapotranspiration, percolation, gravitational water, groundwater, water table, aquifer, recharge area, seep, and spring.

Short answer

Each term relates to the water cycle and the storage and movement of water within Earth's environments. For example, precipitation is atmospheric water that falls to Earth, while groundwater is water held underground. Evapotranspiration is the total evaporation and plant respiration from the Earth. Aquifers are bodies of rock that contain groundwater, while a seep is where the water reaches Earth's surface from an aquifer.

Step-by-step solution

Define Precipitation

Precipitation refers to any product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapour that falls under gravity, such as rain, snow, sleet and hail.

Define Infiltration

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Define Runoff

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flow over the Earth's surface.

Define Capillary Water

Capillary water is the water retained in the soil, in the pores and spaces due to the adhesive and cohesive forces.

Define Transpiration

Transpiration is the process where plants absorb water through the roots and then give off water vapor through pores in their leaves.

Define Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to the atmosphere.

Define Percolation

Percolation is the movement and filtering of fluids through porous materials in the soil.

Define Gravitational Water

Gravitational water is water that trickles down due to gravity and fills in cracks, pores and follows the path of least resistance.

Define Groundwater

Groundwater is water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock.

Define Water Table

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation of water in the ground.

Define Aquifer

An aquifer is a body of permeable rock which can contain or transmit groundwater.

Define Recharge Area

A recharge area is a region where water infiltrates down to an aquifer.

Define Seep

A seep is a wet place where water, usually groundwater, reaches the earth's surface from an underground aquifer.

Define Spring

A Spring is where water flows naturally from the earth surface due to pressure in a subterranean aquifer.

Key concepts

Precipitation

Precipitation is a crucial part of the hydrological cycle. It occurs when condensed water vapor in the atmosphere falls to the Earth's surface. There are various forms of precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

• Rain is liquid water droplets that fall when the atmospheric conditions are warm.
• Snow consists of ice crystals, which form and fall when the temperature is below freezing.
• Sleet is small ice pellets, while hail consists of larger balls or lumps of ice.

Each type of precipitation plays a role in replenishing water sources on Earth, supporting life and various ecosystems.

Groundwater

Groundwater is an essential resource found beneath the Earth's surface. It is stored in the soil and in the cracks and spaces in rocks. This hidden water source is significant for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial processes.

• Groundwater originates from precipitation; it seeps down through the soil to reach underground reservoirs.
• It can be tapped through wells and springs, providing a reliable source of water even during dry periods.

Groundwater is crucial for maintaining the flow of rivers and streams, especially during times of drought.

Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the combination of two processes: evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation refers to the transformation of water from liquid to vapor from various surfaces, such as soil and water bodies.
Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water through their roots and release it as vapor into the atmosphere through tiny openings called stomata. The sum of these processes is called evapotranspiration.

• Evaporation cools the environment and transfers water vapor to the air.
• Transpiration keeps plants cool and facilitates nutrient uptake.
• Evapotranspiration plays a significant role in regulating local and global climates.

Aquifer

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater. It consists of permeable rock materials, such as sand, gravel, or fractured rock. Aquifers are natural reservoirs that can supply water for various human activities.

• Confined aquifers are trapped between two layers of impermeable materials, while unconfined aquifers are not covered by such layers.
• Aquifers can be recharged naturally through precipitation or artificially by human intervention.

They provide a vital source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial uses, making them essential for human survival and economic development.