How does landscape affect the water cycle?

How does landscape affect the water cycle?

Unsealed or permeable soil surfaces in a natural landscape allow water to infiltrate into soil slowly and be used by vegetation. In built urban environments such as Melbourne, there are large areas of sealed soil such as under roads and buildings where water is unable to penetrate, and quickly runs off into drains.

How does topography affect the availability of water?

Topographic shape is a watershed attribute thought to influence the flow path followed by water as it traverses a catchment. These results suggest that during high flow periods, both the average stream acidity and the magnitude of fluctuations in H+ are conditioned by the topographic shape of the catchment.

How do mountains affect the water cycle?

Mountains can have a significant effect on rainfall. When air reaches the mountains, it is forced to rise over this barrier. As the air moves up the windward side of a mountain, it cools, and the volume decreases. As a result, humidity increases and orographic clouds and precipitation can develop.

How does location affect water availability?

Geology – This affects where water is stored and the location of aquifers and groundwater. This can affect water availability. Areas with low rainfall, low groundwater supplies, few lakes or rivers, and generally arid conditions have difficulties accessing water, simply because it is not readily available.

What are the factors affecting water erosion?

Climate, soil properties, vegetation, soil cover, and land management practices are factors that influence both water and wind erosion….Objective.

Factors Influencing Erosion:
Water Erosion Wind Erosion
climate climate
soil properties: aggregation /soil moisture soil properties
soil cover soil cover

Why are the mountains so important for the water cycle?

Mountains are often called nature’s water towers. Another essential source of fresh water is glaciers and mountain snow. During winter months snow accumulates in the mountains. It slowly melts over the summer, generating fresh water for streams and rivers and the needs of humans, plants and animals.