water cycle 4 markers Flashcards
1
Q
outline factors driving change in magnitude of water stores`
A
- amount of precipitation is the main input of the drainage basin
- temperature and rate of evaporation- if temp is higher evaporation will be higher
- condensation is the conversion of a vapour or gas in the atmosphere into a liquid (air is cooled and falls to the ground as an input)
- cryospheric processes and fluctuations involve levels of water held in ice and snow- one of the largest water stores
2
Q
explain the role of dynamic equilibrium in the water cycle
A
- dynamic equilibrium is when the inputs and outputs of the system are equal and the state of the cycle is stable
- the water cycle as a whole is a closed system
- the drainage basin is an open system meaning the inputs and outputs can change
- dynamic equilibrium can be easily upset by extreme weather for example flooding
3
Q
explain the role of cryospheric change in the water cycle
A
- cryospheric processes are any water that is stored in ice or snow and cryospheric water is a major water store
- rising global temperatures causes melting of cryospheric water stores ans so sea levels rise
- In a period of glacial cooling cryospheric stores will grow in size
- this is because the water cycle is slowed considerably as the ice restricts the return of the water to the ocean
4
Q
outline the impact of farming practices upon the water cycle
A
- land use changes such as deforestation cause more surface runoff
- irrigation for plants can lower channel levels in rivers, together with groundwater levels if underground wells are the source for the irrigation through excessive water abstraction
