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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
Assess the relative importance of climate in the supply of water.
Answer
Climate plays a critical role in the supply of water, primarily through precipitation patterns. Higher rainfall generally leads to increased water availability. For instance, regions with high annual rainfall can sustain rivers and groundwater reservoirs more effectively than arid areas.
Temperature is another significant factor, as higher temperatures can increase evaporation rates, thereby reducing the amount of water that actually reaches the ground and is available for supply. Certain climates also influence seasonal patterns of water availability, impacting agricultural practices and domestic water supply.
Furthermore, climatic conditions can dictate the frequency and intensity of droughts, further affecting water supply reliability.
Step 2
Assess the relative importance of geology in the supply of water.
Answer
Geology is equally important in the supply of water, particularly through its influence on groundwater aquifers. The type of rock and soil in a region dictates how much water can be stored and how quickly it can be replenished. For example, porous and permeable geological formations allow for better water infiltration and storage compared to impermeable rocks.
The geological structure can also affect surface water flow, with certain formations acting as barriers that restrict or redirect water movement. For instance, the Great Artesian Basin in Australia shows how geological formations can serve as extensive aquifers that provide significant amounts of water over large areas, illustrating the importance of geology in water supply.
Additionally, human interaction with geology, such as the extraction of groundwater and drilling for water, also highlights the critical relationship between geological features and water availability.
Step 3
Evaluate the combined effect of climate and geology on water supply.
Answer
The interplay between climate and geology significantly impacts water availability and quality. For example, a region with high rainfall but poor geology might still struggle to maintain water supply due to rapid runoff and minimal infiltration into aquifers. Conversely, a dry region with favorable geological conditions may still have a sufficient supply due to effective groundwater storage.
Moreover, case studies such as Mexico City illustrate the need to consider both aspects, as reliance solely on climate without accounting for geological storage can lead to significant challenges in water management.
In conclusion, both climate and geology are vital contributors to the supply of water, and their relative importance may vary depending on specific regional circumstances.