Hydrologic Cycle: Case Scenario Flashcards
A farming community has experienced a year of very little rainfall. Rivers are drying up, and soil moisture is low, affecting crop growth.
1. Explain which processes in the hydrologic cycle are directly impacted by the drought.
- evaporation: reduced water sources & high temperature
- Precipitation
Low Atmospheric Moisture: During a drought, there is less water evaporating into the atmosphere. & A drought can create a feedback loop where less evaporation leads to less precipitation, which then perpetuates the drought conditions.
SCENARIO 1 Predict how the reduction in soil moisture might impact transpiration and evaporation rates in this region.
- Transpiration (Water Loss from Plants)
Reduced Plant Water Uptake, Plant Stress or Death - Evaporation (Water Loss from Soil and Surfaces)
Initially Increased Evaporation, as the soil dries out, higher temperatures may initially accelerate the evaporation of the remaining surface moisture. & Significantly Reduced Evaporation Over Time: As the soil becomes drier and the water near the surface is depleted, evaporation rates decrease because there is no longer sufficient water to evaporate.
SCENARIO 1 Describe one way that this community might manage its water resources to address the drought’s impact on agriculture.
Why Drip Irrigation?
Efficient Water Use: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.
Conserves Limited Water Supplies: By targeting specific areas, it uses significantly less water than traditional irrigation methods, such as sprinklers or flood irrigation.
Improves Crop Yields: Consistent and precise watering ensures crops receive the optimal amount of moisture, even during a drought.
Reduces Soil Erosion: Controlled water delivery prevents the erosion often caused by overwatering or surface runoff.
Scenario 2: Impact of Deforestation on Local
Climate
A large forested area is cleared to make way for farmland. This affects the local water cycle and climate over time.
1. Describe how deforestation could affect transpiration and precipitation in the region.
With an insufficient amount of trees and plants, the evaporation of water from the forested area through transpiration would likely drop, while the precipitation in the region could be concerning because of the lack of trees and plants, which would not be able to absorb the amount of water, this could lead to landslides and flooding.
SCENARIO 2 2. Explain how reduced precipitation due to deforestation might affect groundwater levels.
With reduced precipitation due to deforestation, it might affect groundwater levels because trees and plants play a significant role in balancing the water cycle. Trees and plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through transpiration, which contributes to precipitation in the region. When forests are cleared, it can lead to reduced rainfall. With less precipitation, there’s less water to infiltrate the soil, which can result in lower groundwater levels.
SCENARIO 2 3.Suggest one sustainable practice that could help minimize the impact of deforestation on the hydrologic cycle.
A sustainable practice that could help minimize the impact of deforestation on the hydrologic cycle is reforestation with native plants and trees, which involves planting trees and plants that are native to the area. This can help to reduce the impact of deforestation by preventing soil erosion, increasing soil absorption of water, and maintaining groundwater levels.
Scenario 3: Climate Change and the Water Cycle A coastal region is experiencing rising temperature: due to climate change, leading to changes in water availability and storm patterns.
1. Describe how rising temperatures might impact evaporation and precipitation in the region.
Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, drying out land and water sources, including plants. This can lead to less rain overall, although some areas might see or experience heavier downpours. The uneven distribution of precipitation can worsen the water shortage in already dry regions. This rising temperature also affect the timing and amount of snowmelt, impacting water availability.
SCENARIO 3 2. Predict how changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change might affect glaciers and groundwater supplies over time.
Decreased precipitation in the form of snowfall directly reduces the gain of snow and ice in glaciers causing them to shrink. This may contribute to short-term increases in water availability. Changes in rainfall or precipitation patterns will affect groundwater recharge, potentially leading to lower groundwater levels. More intense rainfall events may not fully replenish groundwater due to increased runoff.
SCENARIO 3 3. Suggest one adaptation strategy that communities could implement to address the impact of climate change on water resources.
Communities can implement water conservation measures, such as improving irrigation efficiency in agriculture, promoting water-wise landscaping to reduce water demand and better manage existing supplies. This conserves water resources while maintaining agricultural productivity. Investing in water storage infrastructure can also help lessen against periods of low rainfall.
