Water cycle Eq

Question 1

Outline the features of a flood hydro graph (3)

Answer 1

1)The gap between peak rainfall and peak discharge is lag time

2)The rising limb shows how quickly a river responds to the rainfall event

3) The highest point on a graph indicates the peak discharge

4)Graph of peak discharge

ie discharge/time

5) A falling limb indicates the rate at which the river is returning to normal discharge

Question 2

Which of the following outlines a positive feedback in the water cycle? (1)

Answer 2

D) Increased water vapour in the atmosphere acts as a greenhouse
gas → atmosphere warms up → more water is evaporated from
the oceans → vapour increases in the atmosphere.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the cryospheric store of water?(1)

Answer 3

D) All water stored in its solid state in glaciers, ice caps and sea ice.

Question 4

Explain the concept of dynamic equilibrium in terms of the water cycle(4)

Answer 4

1)Dynamic equilibrium is the balance between inputs and outputs in the water cycle.
2) Globally the hydrological cycle is a closed system where water cannot enter or leave the system
3)One example is the drainage basin which is an open system where inputs and outputs can be changed
4) Human activity can also disrupt dynamic equilibrium such as dams which can disrupt the flows and transfers within a river.

Question 5

Outline potential impacts of farming practices upon the water cycle. (3)

Answer 5

1)Live stock causes the compaction of soil which reduces infiltration and increases surface run off which upsets dynamic equalibruim
2)Ploughing opens up the soil which increases infiltration and therefore possibly increasing ground water stores
3)Planting vegation opens up the roots which increase infiltration.It also increases evapotranspiration so there maybe be more precipitation
4)Irrigation diverts water from rivers which may lower local water levels

Question 6

Outline flows within the water cycle operating on a hill slope.(4)

Answer 6

Surface runoff occurs when water runs directly over the ground (1) This may occur if the
soil is saturated (or flow over impermeable surfaces). (1)(d).
* Infiltration occurs when the water moves from the surface and then down through the soil
horizons (1) until it reaches the groundwater or an impermeable layer in the soil (1)(d).
* Throughflow occurs when, under the force of gravity, water moves downslope through the
soil until it reaches a water body (1). This movement is usually very slow due to the
frictional effect of the soil particles (1)(d).
* Groundwater flow is the movement of water through permeable rock under the force of
gravity (1). This is the slowest flow of water on a hillslope (1)(d).

Question 7

Outline the process of infiltration as a flow of water in the drainage basin (3)

Answer 7

This is a downwards movement of water from the ground surface into the soil (1).
* The rate of this flow is affected by soil characteristics and level of soil saturation (1).
* Soil porosity is a main factor controlling this flow (1). Coarse grained, sandy soils have
greater porosity and allow greater flows of water (1d), flows of water (1d).
* Saturated soils will limit the flow of water (1d).
* Burrowing animals and plant roots create macro- and micro-channels in the soil increasing
rates of this flow (1).
The Notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points.