Water budgets and river systems at local scale

what is the water budget equation

P=Q+E+/-S

what does the P stand for in the water budget equation

precipitation

what does the Q stand for in the water budget equation

runoff/discharge

what does the E stand for in the water budget equation

evapotranspiration

what does the S stand for in the water budget equation

stores so groundwater and cryosphere

where is this temperature graph

temperature climate in northern hemisphere

what does A show

precipitation is greater than evapotranspiration. therefore the soils moisture increases creating a soil moisture surplus. there is likely to be more surface runoff as the soil is saturated

what does B show

as temperature increase the rate of evaporation increases. the soil moisture is used by plants. this leads to soil moisture utilisation

what does C show

the point of maximum evaporation. this is the point of highest risk of drought

what does D show

despite evaporation decreasing there isnt enough precipitation to replenish the water taken up by plants. therefore there is a soil moisture deficit

what does E show

as precipitation exceeds evaporation rates, the soil will regain moisture and reduce its deficit through soil moisture recharge

what does F show

soil is at field capacity and the soil moisture is now full. any additional recharge will now percolate through into recharging the groundwater stores

where is this climate graph

tropical climate (brazil)

where is this climate graph

tundra climate (alaska)

what does surplus mean

too much

what does utilisation mean

perfect amount

what dies deficit mean

not enough