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Why do many streams continue to flow during long periods when there is no precipitation?
Water is held in the soil and seeps out over time.
Earth/soil holds water depending on its absorbancy ('sponginess'). Even though the ratio of the volume of water seeping out from a volume of soil is generally quite small, it is compounded by the catchment area of the stream - and hence there is a flow of water in the stream for some time after precipitation.
The amount of water in a stream is a factor of the the amount of water being released by the soil, depth of soil, whether there is a non-permiable layer undergound that feeds the catchment, the size of the catchment and amount of recent precipitation.
You could experiment to create streams of different water flow long after precipitation by filling in a valley between two mountains with various types of clay, soil, gravel, sand etc and notice the difference of stream flow in each case after precipitation. Of course, such an exercise would take many months/years to undertake and many millions, if not billions of dollars. There might also be government legislation and local environmental groups who might oppose such an activity.
What else can I help you with?
Is groundwater recharge faster during periods of heavy precipitation?
true!!
In the desert what do ephemeral streams?
Ephemeral streams only have water for a brief time following rain or during periods of spring runoff from higher, surrounding mountains.
What is a word that describes desert streams that carry water only during periods of rainfall called?
Ephemeral
What term is used to describe desert streams that carry water only during periods of rainfall?
Wadi
Supports streamflow during non-storm periods?
During non-storm periods, groundwater can help maintain streamflow by continuing to discharge into the stream. This base flow sustains streamflow levels even when there is no additional surface runoff from precipitation. Groundwater acts as a consistent source of water for streams, rivers, and other bodies of water, ensuring a steady flow throughout the year.
What term is used to describe desert streams that carry water only during periods of rainfall called?
Wadi
What happens to the volume of water that passes from groundwater to streams during a prolonged drought?
During a prolonged drought, the volume of water that passes from groundwater to streams decreases. This is because there is less water available in the groundwater system due to reduced recharge from precipitation. As a result, streams receive less water from groundwater, leading to lower streamflow levels.
What streams in the arid area appear and disappear suddenly depending on rainfall?
Intermittent streams are watercourses in arid areas that flow only during or shortly after precipitation events. These streams often appear and disappear suddenly as they are primarily fed by rainwater and can dry up quickly when there is no rainfall. They play a crucial role in arid ecosystems by supporting wildlife and vegetation during times of water scarcity.
What is long periods of unusually low precipitation are called?
Long periods of unusually low precipitation are called droughts. Droughts can have significant impacts on agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems, leading to food shortages and environmental stress. They are typically defined by the duration and severity of the precipitation deficit relative to normal conditions for a particular region. Monitoring and managing water resources is crucial during such periods to mitigate the effects of drought.
How do reservoirs get full of water?
Reservoirs fill with water primarily through the collection of runoff from rainfall and melting snow in surrounding areas. Water flows into the reservoir from rivers, streams, and tributaries, as well as through direct precipitation. In some cases, reservoirs can also be replenished by groundwater inflow. Additionally, water can be stored in reservoirs during periods of excess flow to manage supply during drier times.
Why do desert climates often have streams?
Desert climates can have streams due to the presence of intermittent rainfall, which can lead to temporary water flow. Additionally, streams may originate from underground aquifers or mountain runoff, where water from snowmelt or rainfall in higher elevations flows into lower desert areas. These streams often dry up during prolonged dry periods but can provide essential water sources for ecosystems and wildlife when they are active.
What characteristics of the seasonal variation in precipitation would be associated with frontal precipitation?
Frontal precipitation is typically characterized by distinct seasonal variations, often associated with the movement of warm and cold air masses. This leads to increased precipitation during transitional seasons, such as spring and autumn, when fronts are more active. The precipitation tends to be more intense and concentrated over short periods, with frequent changes in weather conditions. Additionally, regions experiencing frontal precipitation often have a clear pattern of increased rainfall during the passage of cold fronts, followed by drier conditions.
