Characteristics Of The Colorado River

Question 1

Source of water

Answer 1

Melt water from snow at higher altitude in upper course
Snowmelt provides majority
Thunderstorms common when there is precipitation
Flood risk caused by rapid increase and change in amount of water in basin

Question 2

Soils

Answer 2

Poor - Reduction in interception by limiting vegetation - rapid water transfer

Question 3

Temperature

Answer 3

Above 40 degrees Celsius leading to high evaporation - species adapted to limit water loss from vegetation

Question 4

Climate

Answer 4

Below 250mm annually
Rainfall unpredictable
Seasonal River Flow