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Geography-- Water and Carbon Cycle > Water Balance > Flashcards

Flashcards in Water Balance Deck (6)
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1
Q

what is water balance

A

is the balance between inputs (precipitation) and outputs (run off, evapotranspiration, soil and ground water storage)

2
Q

what is the formula for water balance

A

Precipitation= discharge + evapotranspiration +/- changes in storage

3
Q

explain positive and negative water balance

A

if precipitation EXCEEDS run-off and evapotranspiration it is a POSITIVE WB (amount of water is increasing)– particularly in september
if the opposite is true then it is a negative wb– particularly in summer as it is warmer

4
Q

what is total runoff

A

is a measure of the proportion of the total precipitation that makes its way into streams and rivers

5
Q

what causes variations in run off (factors)

A

differences in: soil water, rock type, precipitation intensity and vegetation cover
time of year- affects rates of evapotranspiration and vegetation growth (interception)

6
Q

River Wye (wales)

A

upper river basin made up of impermeable stones so groundwater flow is limited and soils become saturated much quicker.
run off highest in winter- most rainfall and least amount of vegetation cover