Changes in the Water Cycle

Flashcards covering the impacts of various changes on the water cycle, including natural and seasonal factors.

What natural factors can impact the water cycle?

Natural climate change, extreme climatic events, ecosystem changes, and seasonal changes.

How do ice ages and interglacial periods affect water availability?

They change the availability of water within the system through processes like melting and freezing.

What extreme climatic event impacted the water cycle from 2012 to 2016?

The Caliganian Drought.

How can plant succession alter the water cycle?

By changing the dominant vegetation in an area, which can affect interception rates.

What role do animal burrowing play in the water cycle?

It creates tiny voids which allow water to infiltrate into the soil instead of being transmitted to groundwater.

What seasonal changes affect the availability of water in the water cycle?

Wet and dry seasons change the availability of water.

In winter, what typically happens to precipitation levels?

Precipitation levels usually increase.

In summer, how does temperature affect evaporation?

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation.

What can storms in summer cause in terms of the water cycle?

Storms can bring flash flooding.

What happens to water availability in winter compared to summer?

Water availability is usually delayed in summer as it is held until winter precipitation melts.