Monitoring changes in the water cycle

Question 1

Why are observation by satellites so important

Answer 1

Ground based observations of environmental changes at a global scale would be impractical
GIS techniques map and analyse the data to show areas of anomalies and trends and areas of greater risk

Question 2

Why does data need to be collected

Answer 2

Identifying change is key to predicting and managing issues

Lets us know what is normal

Question 3

Explain Diurnal change with examples

Answer 3

Significant changes over a 24 hour period
Low evaporation and transpiration at night
Conventional precipitation is dependant on direct heating of the ground surface, often falls during the afternoon

Question 4

What are seasonal changes controlled by

Answer 4

Variations in the intensity of solar radiation

Transpiration is highest in summer

Question 5

What are long term changes

Answer 5

Glacial cycles
Four major ones
Glacial and interglacial

Question 6

What happens during glacial periods

Answer 6

Net transfer of water from the ocean to storage in ice, glaciers and permafrost
Ice sheets destroy grassland
Water stored in biosphere shrinks
Low rates of transpiration