The water cycle unknown question answers

Question 1

explain the concept of dynamic equilibrium in terms of the water cycle

Answer 1

• state of constant balance
• closed system
• can be upset by severe weather events e.g. droughts
• can be upset by human interactions e.g. modifying drainage basin

Question 2

outline flows within a water cycle operating on a hillslope

Answer 2

surface runoff
- water runs directly over-ground
- occurs when soil is saturated

infiltration
- water moves down from surface
- until is reaches groundwater/impermeable soil layer

Question 3

explain role of cryospheric change within the water cycle

Answer 3

• regulatory role in sea levels
• major store of water
• glacial period (cryosphere grows in size)
• warming period (water moves from cryosphere back to cycle)
• sea levels rise

Question 4

similarities and differences between hydrological cycle and drainage basin

Answer 4

similarities
- related to water systems
- have inputs + outputs
- show transfer of water

differences
- HC is a closed system/DB is an open system
- HC works at a global level/DB is a smaller, open system within

Question 5

outline potential impacts of farming practices upon the water cycle

Answer 5

• impacts flows, transfers and stores of water
• changing land use (deforestation)
• easily saturates soil and causes higher levels of infiltration and runoff
• reduces transpiration in the long term which causes less precipitation over time

Question 6

outline factors driving change in magnitude of water stores

Answer 6

• condensation converts vapour/gas in the atmosphere to liquid
• droplets flow into hydrosphere or infiltrate into lithosphere
• evaporation turns liquid into gas
• e.g. when energy from the sun hits a body of water
• warms up cryosphere causing it to melt and reduce in size