How does landforms affect the water cycle?
Moving water shapes all different kinds of landforms. Underground water erodes rocks and forms caves. Ocean waves erode beaches and change the shape of the coastlines. The type of landform created depends on how water moves on the surface.
How does location influence the water cycle?
The water cycle operates at different scales in different places. It is strongly influenced by location, temperature and topography. The largest, most productive agricultural areas are in the south-east through a combination of suitable temperatures, rainfall, groundwater and soils. …
How does surface runoff affect the water cycle?
Surface runoff is affected by both meteorological factors and the physical geology and topography of the land. Only about a third of the precipitation that falls over land runs off into streams and rivers and is returned to the oceans. The other two-thirds is evaporated, transpired, or soaks ( infiltrates) into groundwater.
How does the Earth’s natural water cycle work?
Water moves underground downward and sideways, in great quantities, due to gravity and pressure. Eventually it emerges back to the land surface, into rivers, and into the oceans to keep the water cycle going. Note: This section of the Water Science School discusses the Earth’s “natural” water cycle without human interference.
How does deforestation affect the water cycle of the Earth?
Deforestation impacts the water cycle by releasing water vapor back into the atmosphere. Without trees and the other vegetation needed to maintain soil integrity, forested land can quickly become a barren desert that lacks the moisture needed to maintain local lakes and rivers.
How does land use affect the natural environment?
The removal of water from streams and groundwater systems to supply cities, and the land use changes associated with the development of the city, have consequences on the natural environment. For example, infiltration of water is reduced as the result of construction of highways, streets, parking lots and buildings.