Changes in the Magnitude of the Water Cycle Stores Flashcards
How long does water usually remain as seasonal snow cover?
2 to 6 months
How long does water usually remain in rivers for?
2 to 6 months
How long does water usually remain as soil water for?
1 to 2 months
How long does water usually remain in lakes for?
50 to 100 years
How long does water usually remain in glaciers for?
20 to 100 years
How long does water usually remain in shallow groundwater for?
100 to 200 years
How long does water usually remain in deep groundwater for?
10,000 years
What is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone?
A low pressure zone caused by high temperatures, which leads to high levels of evaporation. The warm, moist air then rises and condenses to form towering banks of cloud and heavy rainfall.
Cloud formation in mid-latitudes?
It is mostly driven by convergence of Diameter of inhibition zone of warm air from the Tropics and cold air from the Arctic.
What is a “jet stream”?
Strong upper level winds.
Why are largely changeable conditions experienced in the UK?
Because of the jet stream - these drive unstable weather conditions across the mid-latitudes
On a glacier, what is the equilibrium line?
It marks the altitude where annual accumulation and melting are equal.
The melting of the polar ice sheets could lead to…?
A 60m sea level rise - adding more liquid to the ocean store.
How could deforestation affect a hilltop water cycle?
The removal of trees reduces infiltration and interception. Overland flow increases.
How could storms affect a hilltop water cycle?
Intense rainfall increases the amount of precipitation reaching the ground which increases the magnitude of the stores.