The natural functioning of the hydrologic cycle is balanced over time. What are three human interventions of the water cycle and how are they likely to cause problems over time?
What will be an ideal response?
?Humans alter the water cycle in three major ways. First, humans withdraw freshwater from rivers, lakes, and aquifers at rates faster than natural processes can replace it. As a result, some aquifers are being depleted and some rivers no longer flow to the ocean. Second, we clear vegetation from land for agriculture, mining, road building, and other activities, and cover much of the land with buildings, concrete, and asphalt. This increases water runoff and reduces infiltration that would normally recharge groundwater supplies. Third, we drain and fill wetlands for farming and urban development. Left undisturbed, wetlands provide the ecosystem service of flood control. They act like sponges to absorb and hold overflows of water from drenching rains or rapidly melting snow.
You might also like to view...
Which of these hockey pucks has zero acceleration?
A. One in mechanical equilibrium. B. One at rest. C. One moving at constant velocity. D. all of the above
Which of the following should not be flushed down the drain in a home with a septic tank?
A) Human toilet wastes B) Vegetable fragments, organic detergents C) Toilet paper and other paper fragments D) Large amounts of bleach, feminine hygiene products, diapers, grease, and condoms
The five closest planets to the sun are called the terrestrial planets
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Tropical storms and associated floods have greater impacts in poor countries that have experienced ________
A) forest fires B) deforestation C) desertification D) soil erosion E) hurricanes