Lesson 10 - Climate Change + Hydro Cycle

Question 1

What is positive feedback?

Answer 1

Permanent/long term changes to the drainage basin system
Usual feedback processes don’t work effectively

Question 2

What is negative feedback?

Answer 2

Regulating processes which allow the drainage basin to return to its natural state

Question 3

Give an example of negative feedback

Answer 3

Rainfall increases
Overland + groundwater flow increase
Excess water removed from basin

Question 4

Give an example of positive feedback

Answer 4

Heavy rainfall
Less time for infiltration
Channel flow increases
Basin characteristics change

Question 5

How will climate change affect the hydro cycle? (General)

Answer 5

Intensification, enhancement or acceleration of global hydrological cycle

Question 6

What are the general impacts of climate change on the hydro cycle?

Answer 6

Heat dries out soils
Drought intensifies in arid regions
Flooding intensifies in wet regions
Lower water availability

Question 7

Why will global impacts be differential?

Answer 7

Different climatic zones
Global temp + rainfall variations
Variations in water budgets

Question 8

How will climate change affect snow + ice?

Answer 8

Anthro gas emissions
Avg. air + sea surface temps rise
Increased snow, ice, permafrost melt
Influx in meltwater

Question 9

How will climate change affect high pressure regions?

Answer 9

Increasing intense high-pressure systems
Decreased humidity + precipitation
Increased incidence + severity of drought

Question 10

How will climate change affect low pressure regions?

Answer 10

Increasing convection + evaporation
Condensation + cloud cover
Rising precipitation
Elevated flood risk