Earth science 6.1
Transcript of Earth science 6.1
6.1 Running Water
Water Cycle
• The constant movement of water among the oceans, the atmosphere, geosphere, and the biosphere.
Infiltration
• The movement of surface water into rock or soil through cracks and pore spaces
transpiration
• When plants absorb water and release it into the atmosphere
Gradient
• The slope of a stream over a certain distance
Stream channel
• The course that the water in a stream follows
Discharge
• The quantity of water in a stream that passes a given point in a period of time
tributary
• A stream that empties itself into another stream
Base level
• The lowest point to which a stream can erode its channel
Meander
• A looplike bend in the course of a stream
Key Concept
• Water constantly moves along the oceans, the atmosphere, the solid earth, and the biosphere. This unending circulation of Earth’s water supply is the water cycle.
Key Concept
• Balance in the water cycle means the average annual precipitation over Earth equals the amount of water that evaporates.
Key Concept
• The ability of a stream to erode and transport materials depends largely on its velocity.
Key Concept
• While gradient decreases between a stream’s headwaters and mouth, discharge increases.