water cycle - local scale

Question 1

how may water be lost as an output in a local drainage basin system?

Answer 1

evapotranspiration and runoff

Question 2

how is more water gained?

Answer 2

through precipitation

Question 3

How is it an open system?

Answer 3

as inputs and outputs are not balanced

Question 4

inputs e.g.

Answer 4

precipitation

Question 5

outputs e.g.

Answer 5

evapotranspiration, stemflow

Question 6

stores e.g.

Answer 6

groundwater, soil water, rivers, interception, surface

Question 7

flows e.g.

Answer 7

infiltration, percolation, through flow, surface runoff, groundwater flow, streamflow, stemflow

Question 8

whats meant by evapotranspiration?

Answer 8

the combined return of water to the atmosphere from evaporation and transpiration (plants)

Question 9

what is streamflow?

Answer 9

water that flows through streams and into the ocean or tributaries to other rivers

Question 10

what is streamflow?

Question 11

what is groundwater?

Answer 11

water stored in the pore spaces of rock

Question 12

what is meant by infiltration?

Answer 12

water moving from above ground into soil

Question 13

percolation meaning?

Answer 13

water moves from the ground or soil into porous rock or rock fractures

Question 14

what is the water balance?

Answer 14

expresses the process of water storage and transfer in a drainage system

Question 15

what is the water balance formula?

Answer 15

precipitation = total runoff + evapotranspiration +/- storage

Question 16

how is the water cycle impacted on a local scale?

Answer 16

deforestation, storm events, seasonal changes, agriculture, urbanisation

Question 17

deforestation - impact

Answer 17

less interception. soil less able to store water

Question 18

storm events - impact

Answer 18

increases runoff and water storage

Question 19

seasonal changes - impact

Answer 19

more interception in spring; snow reduces flows; hot weather reduces precipitation

Question 20

agriculture - impact

Answer 20

ground trampled so less infiltration; arable - ploughing increases infiltration -ditches increase runoff

Question 21

urbanisation - impact

Answer 21

impermeable surfaces increase runoff

Question 22

what does the soil water budget show??

Answer 22

the annual balance between inputs and outputs in the water cycle and how inputs and outputs impact soil water storage and availability

Question 23

when is there a surplus of water

Answer 23

in the winter moths

Question 24

when does it recharge soil water?

Answer 24

autumn

Question 25

why is soil water recharged in autmn?

Answer 25

because the inputs of precipitation exceed the outputs of evapotranspiration

Question 26

when is the water utilised?

Answer 26

in spring and summer when potential evapotranspiratation is at its heighests due to warmer weather

Question 27

when do stores deplete?

Answer 27

when Evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation

Question 28

what is a maximum storage of water?

Answer 28

field capacity

Question 29

what is the water budget dependent on?

Answer 29

type, depth and permeability of the soil and bedrock