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Assess the relative importance of climate and geology in the supply of water. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 5
Assess the relative importance of climate and geology in the supply of water.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the relative importance of climate and geology in the supply of water. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between climate and water supply
Answer
Climate plays a crucial role in the supply of water. The annual rainfall and temperature significantly impact water availability.
For example, areas with high annual rainfall obviously increase water availability. However, extreme temperatures can also affect this negatively. As temperatures rise, evaporation rates increase, leading to reduced water supply in arid regions. Understanding these interactions is vital when assessing the importance of climate in water supply.
Step 2
Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between geology and water supply
Answer
Geology influences the water supply through the type of rock and soil present in an area. Different geological formations affect the movement and storage of water. For instance, permeable rocks allow water to flow through and can store groundwater effectively, while impermeable rocks hinder this process.
Moreover, the presence of aquifers, which are geological formations that can yield water, is critical for water supply, especially in regions where surface water is scarce.
Step 3
Analysis of the relative importance of climate compared to geology
Answer
When evaluating the roles that climate and geology play in water supply, one must assess their interaction. For instance, even in a region blessed with high rainfall, poor geological formations can limit water storage and availability. Conversely, areas with favorable geology can retain water efficiently but may suffer from a lack of precipitation.
That said, climatic conditions often have a more immediate and dramatic effect on water availability, while geology has a more long-term influence on sustainable water supply. Therefore, both factors must be considered in tandem for a comprehensive assessment of water supply.