Human Factors on DBs

• Impermeable Surfaces

  Urbanisation leads to impermeable surfaces, which means less infiltration and more run off, which can increase discharge in rivers
• Dams and Reservoirs

  Reservoirs hold back water and create new surface stores, where lots of water tends to be evaporated more easily
• Deforestation

  Loss of trees and vegetation decreases interception, increasing run off and leading to more flow in rivers
• Change in land use

  Switch from pastoral (animals) to arable (crop) farming means fields are bare in winter, meaning no interception and increased run off