WCC: Water Cycle - Processes of change at a local scale Flashcards

1
Q

What 2 natural factors affect the magnitude of water stores on a typical hillslope?

A

Heavy precipitation e.g intense rainfall during a storm increases groundwater stores
Seasonal changes e.g snowfall and frozen ground in winter interrupts the water transfers

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2
Q

What 2 human factors affect the magnitude of water stores on a typical hillslope?

A

Deforestation
Urbanisation
Farming

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3
Q

How does deforestation affect transfers of water on a typical hillslope?

A

Reduces interception and infiltration, increasing overland flow

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4
Q

How does urbanisation affect transfers of water on a typical hillslope?

A

Impermeable surfaces such as tarmac and concrete will reduce infiltration. Deforestation may occur. Water will flow quickly through drainage pipes to nearly river channels.

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5
Q

How does deforestation affect the magnitude of water stores and transfers on a typical hillslope?

A

Ditches drain the land and encourage water to flow more quickly to rivers. Irrigation increases the amount of water on the ground.

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6
Q

What happens to water trapped on the ground surface?

A

It will be stored as surface storage, evaporate, or start to flow downslope as overland flow.

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7
Q

What could lead to water being trapped on the ground surface?

A

Saturated or frozen soil

If the rate of precipitation exceeds the capacity of the soil to absorb it

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8
Q

What is the soil water budget?

A

The changes in the soil water store during the course of they year

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