local scale

• how is water lost in a drainage basin?

  output via evapotranspiration and runoff.
• how is water gained in a drainage basin?

  input via precipitation.
• inputs and outputs in a drainage basin are not balanced, making it an open system.
• what are the components of a drainage basin?

  • inputs - precipitation
  • outputs - evapotranspiration, streamflow
  • stores - groundwater, soil water, rivers, interception, surface
  • flows - infiltration, percolation, throughflow, surface runoff
• what is the water balance used for?

  express process of water storage and transfer

  precipitation = total runoff +/- storage
• how is the water cycle impacted?

  • deforestation
  • storm events
  • seasonal changes
  • agriculture
  • urbanisation
• what is the soil water budget used for?

  annual balance between inputs/outputs.

  show how inputs/outputs impact soil water storage and availability.
• why does soil water recharge in autumn?

  input of precipitation exceeds outputs of evapotranspiration.

  = more rain and cooler temperatures
• why is water used most in spring and summer?

  potential evapotranspiration is higher.

  = warmer temperatures.
• stores deplete when evapotranspiration is higher than precipitation. this can lead to a soil water deficit.
• what is field capacity?

  maximum water storage in soil
• what does the water budget depend on?

  • type
  • depth
  • soil permeability
  • bedrock permeability