Water To Learn

Question 1

Outline how knowledge and understanding of the water and carbon cycles is important in managing climate change.

Answer 1

The carbon cycle regulates global temperature by controlling the amount of CO2 (greenhouse gas) in the atmosphere. Changes in temperature cause change in the water cycle.

Question 2

Is a drainage basin an open or closed system?

Answer 2

Open

Question 3

Which is the biggest store of water on Earth and what % of the total global water is stored here?

Answer 3

98%

Question 4

Where is most freshwater stored?

Answer 4

68% in cryosphere in glaciers and ice caps

Question 5

How much would sea levels rise if the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet melted?

Answer 5

66m

Question 6

Outline the key role that water vapour plays in the atmosphere in terms of life on Earth and climate change.

Answer 6

The amount of water vapour in the air depends on temperature – warmer air can hold more water vapour. Water vapour is a greenhouse gas which leads to higher global temperatures (positive feedback loop).

Question 7

Aquifers

Answer 7

Large storage of water underground
In permeable rocks

Question 8

Why does water temperatures increased evaporation?

Answer 8

Warmer air can hold more water

Question 9

How does digging drainage ditches affect stores and flows?

Answer 9

Increases rate of Transfer of water to nearby rivers increasing risk of flooding

Question 10

What is a drainage basin ?

Answer 10

An area of land drained by a river and its tributaries

Question 12

How much lower were sea levels in the last ice age?

Answer 12

120m