The Hydrological Cycle
The Hydrological Cycle
• What you need to know:
• Be able to draw a diagram of the hydrological cycle.
• Describe its main elements.
• Explain how balance is maintained within the system.
What is the Hydrological Cycle?
The hydrological cycle is the system which describes
the distribution and movement of water between the
earth and its atmosphere. The model involves the
continual circulation of water between the oceans, the
atmosphere, vegetation and land.
The Hydrological cycleMake a copy of the
Hydrological cycle in
your notes.
Now create a table like the one below. Write the key words on your diagram
into the correct column of your table:
The Hydrological Cycle: Summary of Processes
Inputs Stores Processes / transfers
The water cycle balance
precipitation
Under the ground
A closed system
Generation of electricity
(hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs)
Paving, concrete, and the
compacting of soils
Altering the nature of the
vegetation (including
deforestation)
The mining of ground
water for use in agriculture and industry
Large amounts of water vapour released into the atmosphere from industrial activity
Agricultural practices
ranging from irrigation to ploughing
Increases water surface area allowing for
greater evaporationDisrupts sediment in
river channel and deprives downstream
of discharge
Decreases transpiration and increases run off. Soil washes away
into river channels and clogs them up
leading to increased flooding Increases cloud
cover leading to increased
precipitation and decreased
evaporationCan lead to overall
cooling of atmosphere
Increases space available for
groundwater storage thus decreases
discharge in channel and may impact
aquatic life
Disrupts surface run off, alters
natural pathways of water flow.
Prevents infiltration, decreases the amount of
water in storage as groundwater. Increases run-off and discharge in
channel leading to flooding
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