orange water topics

what % of total water is frozen in the cryosphere

2.5%

what % of total water is in fresh water

2.5%

what % of total water is in sea water

96%

what % of water is in the atmosphere

0.001%

3 physical factors affecting a storm hydrograph

• antecedent weather conditions

• rock type

• drainage basin size

2 human factors affecting drainge basin size

• urbanisation

• deforestation

describe a flashy storm hydrograph

• short lag time

• high amplitude

• steep rising limb

describe a subdued storm hydrograph

• long lag time

• low amplitude

• gentle rising limb

what does a storm hydrograph show

changes in river discharge during and after a storm

what is a river regime

the annual pattern of a rivers discharge showing variation throughout seasons in response to variable factors

what are three factors affecting a river regime

• climate

• geology

• vegetation

how does climate affect a river regime

• controls the amount and the timing of water entering a drainage basin

• areas with seasonal rainfall show clear peaks in discharge in wet months whereas in cold climates spring melting of snow delays peak in river flow

• high precipitation increases surface run off and river discharge

what is the link between climate and river regime

climate strongly controls the seasonal pattern and magnitude of river discharge

how does geology influence a river regime

• geology affects permeability of a drainage basin

• permeable rocks like chalk allow for infiltration

• permable geology results in more stable discharge levels

whats the link between geology and river regime

Therefore, geology influences how water is stored and released, shaping both the speed and stability of river discharge.

how does vegetation effect river regime

• more vegetation is more interception and infiltration

• eg the amazons high interception rate

• reduces surface run off

what is the water budget

the balance between water inputs, outputs, and storage within a drainage basin over a period of time.

what is the water budget equation

P=Q+E+ΔS

what does each letter in P=Q+E+ΔS mean

p= precipitation

Q= discharge

E= evpotranspiration

S= storage