THE WATER CYCLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Water exists on Earth in different states:

  • Freshwater;
  • Saltwater;
  • Ice/snow;
  • Rain;
  • Vapour.

Figure 12.3 from the US Geological Survey illustrates the continuous cycle of water in the environment.

Figure 12.3 The water cycle

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Source: US Geological Survey

Water availability is greatly affected by changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and melting snow. There has been much discussion about climate change and global warming and temperatures are predicted to rise in most areas – but not uniformly. Higher temperatures are expected in inland areas and at higher latitudes. This in turn will increase water loss through ...

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