Changes Over Time In Water Cycle

Question 1

What land usage changes have occurred?

Answer 1

Urbanisation
Farming
Forestry

Question 2

How does urbanisation change the water cycle

Answer 2

Artificial surfaces impermeable allow little to no infiltration

Minimal water storage to buffer run off

Question 3

How do drainage systems in urban areas affect the water cycle?

Answer 3

Remove surface water rapidly

High proportion of water from precipitation flows quickly into streams and rivers leading to rapid rise in water level

Question 4

How does urbanisation affect flood plains?

Answer 4

Encroach on floodplains

Natural storage areas for water

Urban development on floodplains reduces water storage capacity in drainage basins increases river flow and flood risks

Question 5

How has farming changed the water and carbon cycle

Answer 5

Changes vegetation and soils which affect water cycle