5.2 The Drainage Basin- An Open System

Question 1

5.2a The Hydrological Cycle

Inputs

Answer 1

the main input is precipitation, which can vary in a number of different ways

form: rain, snow or hail affects the entry of water into the drainage system
amount: this will affect the amount of water in the drainage basin and the fluxes within it
intensity: the greater the intensity, the greater the likelihood of flooding
seasonality: this is likely to result in the drainage basin system operating at different flow levels at different times of the year
distribution: this is significant in very large drainage basins, such as the Nile and the Ganges, where tributaries start in different climate zones

Question 2

5.2a The Hydrological Cycle

types of rainfall: orographic

Answer 2

a

Question 3

5.2a The Hydrological Cycle

types of rainfall: frontal

Answer 3

a

Question 4

5.2a The Hydrological Cycle

types of rainfall: convectional

Answer 4

a