Water and carbon cycles - Case studies

Question 1

Name a river catchment case study

Answer 1

River Exe, Devon

Question 2

Name some characterises of the catchment area of the River Exe

Answer 2

• 85% underlain by impermeable rock
• Most of the land is agricultural grassland and some woodland
• Rainfall is high

Question 3

Name the projects implemented into then catchment area

Answer 3

• Wimbleball reservoir

- The Exmoor miles project

Question 4

Describe the Wimbleball reservoir project and the impacts its had on the catchment area

Answer 4

• River Haddeo was dammed to create the reservoir
• Regulates water flow ensuring a steady flow throughout the year
• Provides water to Exeter and East Devon
• Prevents peaks and troughs of water discharge (that make flooding and drought more likely)

Question 5

Describe the Exmoor miles project and the impacts its had on the catchment area

Answer 5

• Blocked drainage ditches using peat blocks
• Increased water content and carbon storage
• Returns peat to its natural saturated conditions
• Water transfer is slowed providing a steady supply all year round
• Improved water quality due to slower through flow (less expensive to treat)
• Encourages educational and recreational activities
• Improved water supply for animals

Question 6

How was data collected from the Exmoor miles project

Answer 6

Scientists installed dip wells along the newly blocked ditches
An electric contact diameter is inserted into the dip well which records water depth upon contact

Question 7

Explain the results drawn from data collection of the Exmoor miles project

Answer 7

• Water tables rising indicating more moisture is being retained
• Flood peaks reduced and base flow increased

Question 8

Name an example of a tropical rainforest effected by human activity

Answer 8

Indonesia

Question 9

Describe the impacts human activity has on the Indonesian rainforest

Answer 9

• Burning is used to clear land for growing palm oil, fires burn out of control and release carbon
• Forrest fire from 1997-1998 released carbon containing smoke particles which spread air pollution across nearby countries
• Fires destroyed 8 million hectares of land
• Indonesia is now the 3rd largest emitter of greenhouse gases

Question 10

Explain the effects of the Californian drought

Answer 10

• Reduction in water stores in rivers and lakes
• Soil dries out (through flow ceases)
• Vegetation dies (affects infiltration and interception)
• Heat and dry air initially increase evapotranspiration

Question 11

Case study - River Wye - Wales

Answer 11

5th longest river in the UK
Flows south-east
Upper section is steep sloped, has been deforested to make way for sheep grazing
Upper section made of impermeable rock

Question 12

Governmental policies in Brazil

Answer 12

Required that homeowners preserve 80% of virgin forest land

Punishable by fines or imprisonment

Question 13

The Paris Agreement

Answer 13

Aims to reduce global temperatures by 1.5 degrees
Set to meet every 5 years to discuss new goals
Provide support for developing countries

Question 14

Protecting mangroves in Sri Lanka

Answer 14

£2.2 million
Protect 21,000 acres and plant 9,600 acres
Take over 5 years

Question 15

Example of a drainage basin

Answer 15

Mississippi Basin