Reservoir — Science definition
Defined in 3 courses:
- A store of matter — atmosphere, ocean, organisms, soil, rock — characterised by how much it holds and how fast matter enters and leaves. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
- A place or pool in which material is stored. (Earth & Space Science)
- A stock of material or energy within a defined system. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Carbon, Water & Cycling Matter — Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
- Carbon Cycling & Earth-System Feedbacks — Oceans, Carbon & Climate, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
- Environmental Systems, Feedback & Risk — Conservation, Systems & Environmental Design, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
A reservoir is one of those stores — the atmosphere, the oceans, living organisms, soil, rock — and a cycle is the set of processes moving matter between them.
Carbon, Water & Cycling Matter
A reservoir is an amount stored; a flux is a rate of transfer.
Carbon Cycling & Earth-System Feedbacks
Ice loss reducing reflectivity can amplify warming; a control that reduces input as storage rises can stabilize a reservoir.
Environmental Systems, Feedback & Risk
Questions using reservoir
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
No. Inputs and outputs can differ over an interval, changing a reservoir’s stored amount.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Pathways have different rates and storage durations. Some carbon remains in tissues, soils, sediments, or other reservoirs over longer periods.
Response criteria
- Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
- Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
- Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
- State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
A reservoir is an amount stored; a flux is a transfer rate per time.
Problem 4
Hints
Positive refers to amplification, not a beneficial effect.
Answer and explanation
+3 units/year, assuming these are its only flows.