1. The Water Budget Flashcards
What is the concept behind a water budget?
The rate of change of water stored in an area is balanced by the quantity and rate at which water flows into and out of that area.
What is the formula for the water budget?
P + Qin = ET + ∆S + Qout
What does ‘P’ represent in the water budget formula?
Precipitation (rain, snow, etc.)
What does ‘Qin’ represent in the water budget formula?
Water flow into the watershed
What does ‘ET’ stand for in the water budget equation?
Evapotranspiration from soils, surface water, plants, etc.
What does ‘∆S’ signify in the water budget formula?
Change in water storage
What does ‘Qout’ refer to in the context of the water budget?
Sum of water flowing out of the watershed
What role does climate play in influencing the water budget?
Determines the amount and type of precipitation and how water transfers through the basin system.
How does underlying bedrock and soil type affect the water budget?
Permeable rock and more porous soils encourage infiltration and percolation, slowing down flows and increasing stores.
What aspects of a drainage basin shape the water budget?
Shape, size, and relief of the drainage basin
How does vegetation density influence the water budget?
Influences patterns of water flow and storage; dense forests intercept rainfall and increase infiltration.
Fill in the blank: The water budget is used by environmental agencies for _______.
[effective water-resource sustainability, management, and environmental planning]
True or False: Vegetation density has no effect on water flow and storage in a drainage basin.
False
