water (new spec) Flashcards
1
Q
drought?
A
prolonged deficit of water over a period of time
2
Q
meteorological drought
A
high temperatures and low precipitation due to increased solar radiation
3
Q
hydrological drought
A
reduced infiltration meaning less soil moisture damaging habitats
4
Q
agricultural drought
A
low evapotranspiration and reduced biomass leading to poor productivity and yields
5
Q
socio-economic droughts
A
loss of vegetation, soil erosion, desertification leading to food shortages
6
Q
positive feedback loop
A
a change in a system that reinforces instability through worsening impacts
7
Q
tipping point
A
when a system changes from one state to another
8
Q
why are wetlands important?
A
- temporary water stores - helpful for floods
- act as a filter trapping nutrients and pollutants
- high biological productivity - nursery areas for fish and birdlife
