Human Impact on Water Cycle

This set of flashcards covers the impact of human activities on the water cycle, including climate change, land use change, deforestation, and agricultural practices.

What are the consequences of climate change on freshwater availability?

Increased global temperatures lead to reduced glacial ice and availability of freshwater for dependent communities.

How does land use change affect water infiltration?

Changes to urbanized landscapes create impermeable surfaces, increasing runoff and decreasing infiltration.

What is the impact of city drainage systems on flooding?

City drainage systems remove water quickly, but can lead to flooding when river channels cannot discharge excess water.

What effect does deforestation have on local water cycles?

Vegetation removal increases susceptibility to water scarcity and decreases water storage and transpiration.

How has Indonesia's deforestation impacted its environment?

Indonesia has lost 50% of its rainforests in the last 60 years, making it more susceptible to climate impacts.

What are the effects of farming practices on soil and water?

Farming in semi-arid regions can lead to desertification and reduced soil's capacity to store water.

What historical aspect of land use significantly altered the water cycle in Exmoor?

Deforestation for sheep farming over the last 5000 years created drainage ditches that drain peat bogs, altering the water cycle.