Impacts of drought on ecosystems

Question 1

Wetlands functions

Answer 1

• Temporary water stores
• Recharging aquafers
• Filter for nutrients and trapping toxins
• Large biodiversity

Question 2

Forest functions

Answer 2

• Interception, in turn, means reduced infiltration and overland flow. Forests are characterized by high levels of transpiration.

Question 3

Impact of drought on wetlands

Answer 3

• With less precipitation there will be less interception, as well as less infiltration and percolation.
• Evaporation will also increase. This, together with the decrease in transpiration, will reduce the valuable functions performed by wetlands.
  IRAQ

Question 4

Impact on forest stress

Answer 4

• Seasons become hotter and drier, evaporation rises meaning issues with nutrients, effecting food chain.
• Increasing the susceptibility of pines and firs to fungal diseases.
  UK