Soil Moisture and Climate Patterns

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to soil moisture, vegetation, and the El Niño climatic phenomenon.

What leads to overland flow and loss of water within the soil cycle?

Saturated soils.

What happens to vegetation during periods of high discharge rates in winter?

Vegetation dies back and interception and transpiration are affected.

What effect does higher vegetation growth have on groundwater?

It increases transpiration rates and interception.

What cyclical variation occurs every 3-4 years?

El Niño.

What does El Niño refer to?

The periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific.

What weather pattern results from dry air sinking in El Niño conditions?

Clear skies and increased temperatures while rainfall decreases.

What phenomenon increases the risk of flooding in El Niño?

Low pressure formed by warm, moist air rising, leading to heavy rainfall.

What happens to trade winds during El Niño?

Trade winds blowing from east to west weaken.

What occurs when warm surface water flows eastwards towards South America?

It is a characteristic of the El Niño effect.

How often does the El Niño effect occur?

Every 3-7 years and lasts about 9 months.