The water cycle: stores, flows & change

Outline how human factors impact upon the water cycle.

Figure 1a and Figure 1b are in the insert.

Figure 1a shows change in lake and river surface water temperature by global distribution between 1970 and 2010.

Figure 1b shows change in lake and surface water temperature by latitude between 1970 and 2010.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows river flow data measured at various gauging stations across parts of the UK on 7 November 2019.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess factors affecting the likelihood of flooding across the UK.

With reference to a tropical rainforest that you have studied, evaluate attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Outline the purpose of a flood hydrograph.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows information about freshwater abstraction in Finland in 2020.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows global proposed carbon sequestration rates compared to implemented carbon sequestration rates between 2000 and 2020.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges associated with carbon sequestration.

Evaluate the potential impact of changes in the carbon budget on a tropical rainforest that you have studied.

Explain the concept of negative feedback within the carbon cycle.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows changes in the terrestrial water system in response to human activity and climate change between 2012 and 2016.

Analyse the changes in the terrestrial water system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows regional changes in forest cover between 1990 and 2010.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges arising out of the changing forest cover.

‘Human activity needs to focus more on adapting to the expected negative impacts of climate change than on taking measures to restore atmospheric carbon to pre-industrial levels.’

How far do you agree with this view?

Outline the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows annual and 5-year moving average rainfall data for two measuring stations in South Africa: Royal Observatory and Dwarsberg.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert. It shows the number of days when precipitation is high enough for plant growth across southern Africa in 2000 and that projected for 2050.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the predicted impact of climate change upon life in this region.

Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget.

Outline flows within the water cycle operating on a hill slope.

Figure 1 shows rainfall data, a measured hydrograph and a simulated hydrograph for Taguibo Watershed in Mindanao Island, southern Philippines. The data were collected from 13 to 17 April 2007. The simulated hydrograph is a computer-generated prediction of discharge.

Measured hydrograph Simulated hydrograph Rainfall

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figures 2a and 2b are in the insert.

Figure 2a shows two maps indicating the changing vegetation cover in the Taguibo Watershed in Agusan del Norte province, north-eastern Mindanao Island, Philippines, from 1976 and 2001. The third map shows how the area could be rehabilitated with natural vegetation.

Figure 2b shows the possible impact of a storm in 2007 upon the runoff volume in the Taguibo Watershed for each of the situations shown in Figure 2a.

Using Figure 2a, Figure 2b and your own knowledge, assess the potential impact of changing vegetation cover upon the runoff in this area.

To what extent does an understanding of feedback systems in the carbon cycle help with attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change?

Explain the role of cryospheric change in the water cycle.

Figure 1 shows change in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, grouped by relative wealth of country, between 1970 and 2010.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows the contribution of the top ten greenhouse gas emitters and information regarding the ratification of the Paris Accord climate change agreement as of May 2017.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied.