The Water Cycle (AQA A Level Geography)

Figure 1 represents data from a climate model for Africa. The map shows how rainfall totals are expected to change in Africa by 2099 compared with 1986−2005 averages. The graphs show predictions for rainfall change by month between 2080 and 2099, compared with average rainfall taken from 1986−2005.

Figure 1

Using Figure 1, analyse projected rainfall change in Africa.

[6]

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the natural and human induced causes of the 2005 flood in Carlisle.

[6]

With reference to a river catchment that you have studied, assess the potential factors which can impact upon the flood hydrograph.

[20]

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

Figure 1

Annual and 5-year moving average rainfall data for two measuring stations in South Africa:

Royal Observatory and Dwarsberg

Note: The 5-year moving average plots the mean value of the previous 5 years.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

[6]

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

Figure 2

Number of days when precipitation is high enough for plant growth across southern Africa in 2000 and that projected for 2050

Maps showing precipitation for plant growth in South Africa 2000/2050

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

[6]

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

[4]

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.

Figure 1

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

[6]

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.

Figure 2a

Changing vegetation cover in the Taguibo Watershed, from 1976 to 2001, and how the area could be rehabilitated with natural vegetation

Figure 2b

Possible impact of a storm in 2007 on runoff volume in the Taguibo Watershed for each situation 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.

[6]

Explain the role of cryospheric change in the water cycle.

[4]

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

[20]