Water Cycle Flashcards
(41 cards)
Where is an example destruction of a rainforests impacting the water cycle ?
The Amazon rainforest
What percentage of the Amazon rainforest has been lost ?
Over 20% of the forest has been destroyed
What are the impacts of the deforestation of the Amazon on the water cycle ?
75% EVT would reduce to 25%
Increased Run-off = Flooding & Mudslides
Less infiltration = No recharging aquifers
Overland flow = Soil erosion
Where is an example of Drought impacted by both physical and human aspects ?
The Sahel region of Africa
What is the climate of the Sahel ?
Drought sensitive with annual rainfall concentrated within the summer. Varying between 100mm and 800mm on southern margins
How have the impacts of droughts been increased ?
Through socio-economic conditions,
E.g Overgrazing, Environmental degradation, deforestation and poverty
Desertification
Land degradation in arid regions resulting in climate variations and human activities
Where is an example of Flooding
England and Wales 2007
What was the rainfall in the UK floods ?
in July 387mm of rain fell double to average of 186mm
What river was impacted the most by the flooding in the UK ?
River Severn
What happened along river Severn ?
Worcesters river levels were 4.5m above normal
Tewkesbury had homes flooded, power supplies damaged and water supplies cut off
Where is an example of salt water encroachment ?
The Maldives due to rising sea levels and increased storms
Where is an example of Over abstraction ?
The Sonoran desert in Arizona has experienced over-abstraction as water is taken for irrigation and urbanisation
Where is an example of Water contamination ?
Hinkley, California
What contaminated ground water in Hinkley
?
Pacific Gas and Electric Company dumped about 370 million gallons of chromium-tainted wastewater into ponds
What is an example of large irrigation scheme causing problems ?
The Aral Sea
Where is the Aral Sea ?
The Aral sea is located in the continent of Asia. It is a transboundary lake, with one half in Kazakhstan and the other in Uzbekistan.
Why is the Aral Sea shrinking ?
Soviet government decided that the two rivers that fed the Aral Sea, would be diverted in order to irrigate the desert, in an attempt to grow rice and cotton.
How much has the Aral Sea declined ?
By 2007 the sea has declined to just 10% of its original size.
What are the economical impacts of the Aral Sea shrinking ?
. The fishing community of 60,000 people has collapse
. Salt was blown onto the surrounding area. Camels therefore died because the grass they were consuming was too salty.
What are the social impacts of the Aral Sea shrinking ?
. Drinking water supplies have are low, with the water being contaminated with pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.
. Respiratory illnesses are common in the region now due to dust containing highly toxic chemicals and fertilisers blowing from the dried sea.
. 10% infants die before 1 year old
What are the environmental impacts of the Aral Sea shrinking ?
Only 32 of the 70 mammal species and very few of the 24 fish species remain due to increasing temperatures
What has been done to save the Aral Sea ?
Kazakhstan built a dam between the northern and southern which separates the two water bodies and prevents flow out of the North Aral into the lower-elevation South Aral.
What is a example of a trans boundary water conflict ?
The Nile
