Hydrology
What is Hydrology?
The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.
Key points
- To explain the continuous movement of water.
- To identify and describe the main processes of the hydrologic cycle.
- To understand the driving forces behind the cycle.
Common exam trap
Confusing evaporation and transpiration.
Definitions
- Term
Evaporation
- Meaning
The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.
- Term
Transpiration
- Meaning
The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers.
- Term
Condensation
- Meaning
The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.
- Term
Precipitation
- Meaning
Any product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapor that falls under gravitational pull from clouds.
- Term
Runoff
- Meaning
The flow of water over the land surface.
- Term
Infiltration
- Meaning
The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.
Learning objectives
To explain the continuous movement of water.
To identify and describe the main processes of the hydrologic cycle.
To understand the driving forces behind the cycle.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of states of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
Familiarity with basic atmospheric processes.
Common mistakes
Confusing evaporation and transpiration.
Underestimating the role of groundwater.
Ignoring sublimation in colder regions.
Keywords
Hydrologic Cycle
Water Cycle
Evaporation
Transpiration
Condensation
Precipitation
Runoff
Infiltration
Hydrology
Practice preview
What is the primary source of energy that drives the hydrologic cycle?…
easy
Which of the following instruments is used to measure the rate of precipitation?…
easy
The process by which water enters the soil from the ground surface is known as:…
easy