Factors Influencing Water Distribution

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  • Created by: Dave
  • Created on: 08-07-15 09:41
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  • Factors influencing water distribution
    • Geology
      • Where underlying geology is impermeable, water remains at the surface as rainfall. This reduces groundwater supply and increases flood risk.
      • Permeable rock allows water to pass underground. This creates aquifers which act as a water store.
      • Upland areas tend to receive relief rainfall. Often they are the source of rivers.
    • Climate
      • Prevailing winds and seasons affect precipitation patterns
        • Monsoon season in South East Asia
        • The UK's south westerly prevailing wind brings moisture from the Atlantic Ocean.
        • Kenya has 2 rainy seasons, caused by changes in wind direction
      • Latitude often determines precipitation patterns.
        • 0-15 latitude (tropical) - warm and wet
        • 15-30 latitude  (desert)- warm and dry
        • 50-60 latitude (arctic) - cold and dry
      • Global Climatic Cycles
        • El Nina
          • Cools east Pacific Ocean and changes air pressure systems.
        • El Nino
          • Warms east Pacific Ocean and changes air pressure systems
    • River Systems
      • River discharge increases downstream as more tributaries feed the river.
        • The Yangtze River has over 3,000 tributaries which transport water to the main river channel.
      • Rivers transfer large amounts of water across a large distance
        • Over 300million people are supported by the Ganges River
        • 40% of China's population are supported/ associated with the Yangtze River Basin
          • The Yangtze River has over 3,000 tributaries which transport water to the main river channel.

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