Understanding how water and carbon move through Earth's systems is... Show more
Geography401 views·Updated May 14, 2026·2 pagesAQA Geography: Water & Carbon Cycles Summary
J
Jessica@.jess.
1
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Water Cycle and Storage Systems
Ever wondered where all the water on Earth actually goes? The water cycle operates as an open system, meaning energy and matter can enter and leave freely. Most of our planet's water sits in oceans (96.5%), whilst smaller amounts exist in ice sheets and groundwater aquifers (each about 1.74%).
Water balance is basically nature's accounting system - inputs like precipitation and evaporation must equal outputs like discharge and evapotranspiration (water loss through plants). When this balance tips, you get either water surplus (flooding) or water deficit (drought). Storage refers to the maximum water soil can hold before becoming saturated.
Human activities massively disrupt natural water flows. Urbanisation increases surface runoff whilst reducing infiltration, and deforestation cuts down on interception, leading to more evaporation. Even farming practices like ploughing can break up soil surfaces, affecting how water moves through the ground.
Feedback loops either amplify or balance these changes. Positive feedback enhances existing conditions , whilst negative feedback restores equilibrium. Understanding soil permeability helps predict whether water will flow through or run off the surface.
Quick Tip: Remember that hydrographs show how rivers respond to rainfall - flashy rivers have short lag times and high flood risk, whilst slow-response rivers have longer lag times and lower peak discharge.
2
of 2
Carbon Cycle and Climate Impact
The carbon cycle might seem invisible, but it's absolutely massive in scale and impact. Unlike water, carbon operates as a closed system where the same carbon atoms get recycled endlessly. The lithosphere (rocks and minerals) stores 99% of Earth's carbon, whilst oceans hold about 0.038% as dissolved CO₂.
Understanding carbon budgets is key to grasping climate change. Carbon sinks absorb more CO₂ than they release (like healthy forests), whilst carbon sources emit more than they absorb (like burning fossil fuels). This balance directly affects global temperatures and weather patterns.
Human activities have dramatically altered natural carbon flows. Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and cement production pump extra CO₂ into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs excess atmospheric CO₂, forming carbonic acid that threatens marine ecosystems.
The atmosphere, oceans, and land each play distinct roles in carbon storage. Oceans store carbon as carbonic acid through carbon sequestration, whilst plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis. The weathering of rocks and volcanic eruptions also release stored carbon back into circulation.
Climate Connection: Rising CO₂ levels create positive feedback loops - higher temperatures increase evaporation and reduce the ocean's ability to absorb carbon, accelerating global warming even further.
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Geography401 views·Updated May 14, 2026·2 pagesAQA Geography: Water & Carbon Cycles Summary
J
Jessica@.jess.
Understanding how water and carbon move through Earth's systems is crucial for grasping climate change and environmental processes. These two cycles work together to regulate our planet's temperature and support all life on Earth.
1
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Water Cycle and Storage Systems
Ever wondered where all the water on Earth actually goes? The water cycle operates as an open system, meaning energy and matter can enter and leave freely. Most of our planet's water sits in oceans (96.5%), whilst smaller amounts exist in ice sheets and groundwater aquifers (each about 1.74%).
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Human activities massively disrupt natural water flows. Urbanisation increases surface runoff whilst reducing infiltration, and deforestation cuts down on interception, leading to more evaporation. Even farming practices like ploughing can break up soil surfaces, affecting how water moves through the ground.
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Quick Tip: Remember that hydrographs show how rivers respond to rainfall - flashy rivers have short lag times and high flood risk, whilst slow-response rivers have longer lag times and lower peak discharge.
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