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Assess the extent to which changes in the carbon cycle can lead to water stress - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 5
Assess the extent to which changes in the carbon cycle can lead to water stress. [9 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the extent to which changes in the carbon cycle can lead to water stress - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1 - Knowledge and understanding of the concept of water stress and components of demand for water.
Answer
Water stress refers to the situation where water demand exceeds supply, impacting availability for consumption, agriculture, and industry. The carbon cycle plays a significant role in influencing water availability, particularly through its interaction with the water cycle. Increased atmospheric carbon can lead to climate change, manifesting in altered precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and changes in evaporation rates. These shifts directly affect water resources, thereby increasing the risk of water stress.
Step 2
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate the extent to which changes in the carbon cycle can lead to water stress.
Answer
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Increased Temperatures: Higher atmospheric carbon levels result in increased temperatures. This can lead to greater evaporation and decreased soil moisture, affecting plant growth and contributing to lower water levels in rivers and lakes.
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Altered Precipitation Patterns: Climate change from increased carbon leads to variable precipitation, including intense storms followed by dry periods. This inconsistency makes it difficult to rely on predictable water sources, thereby exacerbating water stress especially in already vulnerable areas.
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Feedback Mechanisms: Changes in vegetation cover due to water stress can further influence the carbon cycle. For instance, deforestation decreases local carbon storage and leads to higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, creating a cycle of increasing water scarcity.
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Regional Variability: Regions like the Amazon, experiencing significant changes in land use, witness increased water stress. Larger areas of deforestation increase the impact of carbon emissions, leading to a further decline in local moisture availability and worsened drought conditions.
In convergence of these factors, it is evident that changes in the carbon cycle significantly impact water resources, leading to increased water stress in various regions.