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Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Potential Causes of Changes to Water Balance
Answer
Several factors can lead to changes in the water balance of a tropical rainforest. Environmental changes such as deforestation are significant contributors. Deforestation can reduce the amount of vegetation that contributes to evapotranspiration, a vital part of the water cycle. Moreover, agriculture practices, such as soil compaction, can increase surface runoff, reducing water retention in the soil.
Additionally, changes in global climate patterns may have repercussions on local precipitation. For example, increased temperatures can lead to higher evaporation rates, altering precipitation cycles and potentially leading to drought conditions.
Step 2
Impacts of Changes on Water Balance
Answer
The impacts of these changes can be profound. For instance, alterations in the water cycle can lead to reduced water availability for both local ecosystems and human populations, increasing the risk of water scarcity. This socio-economic dimension is critical, especially in communities relying on the rainforest for livelihoods.
Moreover, decreased evapotranspiration from deforested regions can lead to localized climatic changes, further impacting rainfall patterns. Increased runoff might cause flash floods, contributing to erosion and loss of soil fertility, which can hinder agricultural productivity.
In terms of long-term implications, changes in the water cycle influence the entire ecosystem, potentially leading to biodiversity loss as species fail to adapt to rapidly altering habitats. Therefore, carefully assessing both causes and impacts is essential for effective environmental management.