Changes to the Water Cycle

Question 1

How does deforestation change the water cycle?

Answer 1

Less interception by the trees means that there is an increase in surface run-off however there is a decrease in soil water storage as the soil is no longer held together by the roots. There are also fewer plants so transpiration decreases.

Question 2

How do storm events impact the water cycle?

Answer 2

Large amounts of rainfall quickly saturate the ground to its field capacity meaning no more water can infiltrate the soil, increasing the surface runoff

Question 3

How does each season have an impact on the water cycle?

Answer 3

Spring - move vegetation means more interception
Summer - less rain makes the ground impermeable encouraging surface runoff
Autumn - Less vegetation growth means less interception despite the noticeable rainfall
Winter - The frozen ground becomes impermeable and encourages runoff. However snow can discourage runoff as it takes time to melt.

Question 4

How does urbanisation have an impact on the water cycle?

Answer 4

The creation of roads and buildings that have impermeable surfaces but include drains reduce infiltration but increases surface runoff, reducing the lag time and increasing the flood risk.

Question 5

How has the introduction of SUDS and Green Roofs helped the problem created by Urbanisation?

Answer 5

These use grass and soil to reduce the amount of impermeable surfaces which helping to tackle the problem of urban flooding