EQ2 The water cycle and climage change

Question 1

What will increased GHG emissions affect?

Answer 1

-Clouds, precipitation patterns, runoff and stream flow patterns.

Question 2

What does warmer temps lead to in terms of precipitation?

Answer 2

-Warmer temperatures means more precip falling as rain rather than snow

Question 3

What does higher water vapor concentrations mean in terms of precipitation?

Answer 3

-Increased frequency of intense precipitation events, mainly over land areas

Question 4

Why is the early arrival of spring-like conditions bad?

Answer 4

-Earlier peaks in snowmelt. so seasons with higher water demand, usually summer + autumn are being impacted by a reduced availability of freshwater

Question 5

What do climate models say about precipitation?

Answer 5

-Precipitation will become more variable, with increased risk of droughts and floods at different times and places

Question 6

What will global heating cause within the next two decades?

Answer 6

-Global heating will cause at least 1.5 degree rise.
-Temp rise will be accompanied by changes in water cycle. Already wet areas will become wetter and more arid places will be more prone to droughts.

Question 7

How is climate affecting water stress?

Answer 7

-For every 1C degree increase in the global average temperature, UN experts project a 20% drop in renewable water resources.
-Global warming expected to increase the number of water-stressed areas.
-Warmer temps associated with climate change and increased CO2 levels may speed plant growth in regions with enough moisture and nutrients