Arctic tundra water cycle #2 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the annual precipitation?
A
50-350 mm- vey low and mostly snow
2
Q
Why is the atmosphere a small store of water?
A
Very low temps reducing humidity.
3
Q
Why is there limited transpiration?
A
Sparseness of vegetation and short growing season.
4
Q
Why is there low rates of evaporation?
A
Sun’s energy is used to melt the snow so ground temp is low and inhibits convection.
5
Q
Why is there limited groundwater and soil stores?
A
Due to permafrost which acts as a barrier to infiltration,percolation and ground water flow.
6
Q
What is the reason for a sharp increase in river flow in the summer?
A
Due to melting of snow, ice and active layer of permafrost.
7
Q
What can permafrost cause?
A
Blockages of drainage creating extended wetlands,ponds and lakes in the summer.
