R.B.M

Question 1

Positive factors of physical characteristics (4)

Answer 1

-underlying imperdable rock (allows for dams to built, less water loss)
-steep valley sides (good for runoff, good collection of water)
-high precipitation in the Rocky’s and snow melt (high discharge and rainfall collection)
-very little tectonic activity (secure for building dams)

Question 2

Negative factors for physical characteristics (5)

Answer 2

-low rainfall in lower basin (less discharge in the river)
-highly variable seasonal rainfall with thunderstorms (flash flooding)
-hot climate = high evaporation rates (95% of rainfall is lost in the lower basin)
-climate change (less rainfall, shorter warmer winters which means less snow melt)
-sedimentary rocks around lake Powell (high seepage)

Question 3

Need for water management on the Colorado river human(5) and physical(3)

Answer 3

Human
-electricity generation (HEP) (Ned more energy)
-drinking and domestic water use (increased population more needed)
-irrigation water for agriculture
-tourism
-political tensions (7 states 2 counties hard to give equal amounts everywhere)

Physical
-flooding (seasonal summer rains)
-drought (low rainfall in lower basin)
-limited vegetation (leads to high surface runoff)

Question 4

Environmental consequences of water control positive(3) and negative(3)

Answer 4

Positive
- sanctuaries for wildlife
- improved flood control
- Hydroelectric power

Negative
- greater evaporation rates
- high water loss in lake Powell through permeable sandstone rocks
- loss of habitats

Question 5

Socio-economic consequences positive(4) and negative(7)

Answer 5

Positive
- construction and maintenance of energy plants creates jobs
- increased irrigated land and higher yields
- more industries are attracted to the area
- lake mead provides places for water-sports

Negative
- construction of dams are very expensive
- floods are less controlled less silt deposited less fertile soil
- more industries attracted to the area
- disagreement between states
- high evaporation rates so crops are more saline so farmers have to switch crops
- more fresh water is needed for growing cities for example Phoenix
- loss of Native American sites
- people are displaced from their homes due to the flooding of places behind the dams/reservoirs

Question 6

Factors affecting hydrographes

Answer 6

-Size of basin
-Slopes
-Number of tributaries
-type of rock
-rainstorms
-climate
-vegetation
-concrete