the water balance Flashcards
1
Q
what is the formula for precipitation?
A
P = Q + E +/- S
- p = precipitation
- q = river run off
- E = evapotranspiration
- s = storage in soil and rocks
2
Q
what is water surplus?
A
where precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration. the soil water store is full and there is excess for plants, groundwater recharge and runoff.
3
Q
what is utilisation?
A
evapotranspiration water stores are being used up by plants or lost by evaporation
4
Q
what is recharge?
A
precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration, the soil begins to fill up from infiltration
5
Q
what is deficit?
A
all soil moisture has been utilised and plants will either wilt or adapt to survive in dry conditions.
6
Q
when does soil moisture recharge happen?
A
October - February
7
Q
when does soil moisture deficit happen?
A
August - September
8
Q
when does soil moisture surplus happen?
A
February - May
