1.7 - THE HYDROLOGIC (WATER) CYCLE Flashcards
Global warming is known to accelerate the movement of water through the hydrologic cycle.
Which of the following areas of the hydrologic cycle will be the largest contributor to this phenomenon?
a) Groundwater.
b) Pastures.
c) Atmosphere.
d) Ocean.
Choice D is the correct answer. The ocean is the largest reservoir of water. As the temperature of the ocean increases due to the warming climates, the rate of evaporation will increase, turning the water into water vapor. An increase in the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere will lead to an increase in condensation that will then lead to more precipitation and an increase in runoff.
A wetland has recently been drained and filled and is now used for commercial purposes. Which of the following correctly states how this would affect the hydrologic cycle?
a) There would be an increase in evapotranspiration, a decrease in percolation, and an increase in runoff.
b) There would be a decrease in evapotranspiration, a decrease in percolation, and a decrease in runoff.
c) There would be a decrease in infiltration, an increase in runoff, and a decrease in evaporation.
d) There would be a decrease in infiltration, an increase in runoff, and an increase in flooding.
Choice D is the correct answer.
A wetland is an area of land that is completely saturaded with water. If a wetland is to be drained, filled, and replaced with commercial buildings, this would greatly affect the hydrologic cycle.
When a porous area such as a wetland is covered with buildings and pavement, water is no longer able to infiltrate into the soil. With less water absorption into the soil, more is noe left on the surface, leading to an increase in runoff as well as greater chances of flooding.
