Changes In The Water Cycle Over Time

Question 1

How do storm event affect change in water cycle

Answer 1

Amount and intensity of precipitation can affect the amount of runoff relative to infiltration. Higher discharge= less time for infiltration to take place

Question 2

How does drought impact the water cycle

Answer 2

Reduction in water stored in rivers and lakes
Did back in vegetation= transpiration, interception and infiltration
Soils dry out

Question 3

How does seasonal changes affect the water cycle (temperature)

Answer 3

In summer= more evapotranspiration= vegetation growing rapidly
In winter= less evapotranspiration=higher channel flow and runoff

Question 4

How does seasonal changes affect the water cycle (precipitation)

Answer 4

In summer= less rainfall but more storms

In winter= high rainfall= high channel flow

Question 5

How does seasonal changes affect the water cycle (soil moisture)

Answer 5

Summer= dry soils= infiltration 
Winter= saturated soils= overland flow and high discharge

Question 6

How does ploughing affect the water cycle

Answer 6

Breaks up topsoil and allows greater infiltration= less runoff and longer lag times

Question 7

How does irrigation affect the water cycle

Answer 7

Leads to additional input of water to local water cycle

Question 8

How do drainage systems affect the water cycle

Answer 8

Lead to more rapid transfer of water to the nearest river channel

Question 9

How does livestock affect the water cycle

Answer 9

Large numbers of livestock can result in soils becoming compacted and can lead to greater overland flow

Question 10

How does land use change affect the water cycle (urbanisation)

Answer 10

Impermeable surfaces replacing vegetation = water cannot infiltrate the soil = Increase overland flow = Increase risk of flooding

Question 11

How does land use change affect the water cycle (deforestation)

Answer 11

Leads to increase surface runoff and soil erosion and reduces soil water stores
Lack of vegetation roots reduces infiltration rates into the soil= flashy hydrograph

Question 12

How does land use change affect the water cycle (extensive deforestation)

Answer 12

Can result in less water vapour available in atmosphere for precipitation and so precipitation levels fall= reduced flow (example of positive feedback)

Question 13

What percentage of rainforest has been turned into agriculture and cattle pasture

Answer 13

10% and most of this loss has occurred in the last 50 years

Question 14

How does change in water abstraction affect the water cycle

Answer 14

Water being abstracted from aquifers are in danger of causing depletion as rate of recharge is slower than rate of use.