5.1B continued

Question 1

Define water budget

Answer 1

• Reflect the balance of precipitation vs. evapotranspiration
• This could be from season to season in one place, or in different places around the globe.

Question 2

UK water budget at winter

Answer 2

precipitation higher than evapotranspiration so soil moisture surplus

Question 3

UK water budget in spring

Answer 3

evapotranspiration increases above precipitation and soil utilises moisture

Question 4

State two types of water flow

Answer 4

• Base flow – water that’s usually available all year round (fossil water)
• Surface flow – seasonal differences, e.g. monsoon, or cryosphere melting

Question 5

UK water budget in summer

Answer 5

soil moisture deficit as evapotranspiration continues to rise

Question 6

Water budget in autumn

Answer 6

precipitation increases as evapotranspiration decreases and soil moisture is recharged

Question 7

Why is the cryosphere a vulnerable (non-renewable) reserve?

Answer 7

• Although ice caps make up only 1.9% of global water, they have 68.7% of freshwater.
• Reflects climate change – loss in cryosphere means water moves to the ocean.

Question 8

Why is fossil water a vulnerable (non-renewable) reserve?

Answer 8

• Groundwater is extracted for drinking and other human activities.
• It can be replenished, but only if water can infiltrate that far.