Figure 1 shows changes in the terrestrial water system in response to human activity and climate change between 2012 and 2016 - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1

Between 2012 and 2016, significant and varied changes were observed in the terrestrial water system. Some regions experienced a marked increase in water levels, while others faced notable decreases, reflecting the complex interplay of human activities and climate change.

1. Regional Variations: Areas such as Greenland showed dramatic decreases in water levels due to ice sheet melt, which reflects the impact of climate change. In contrast, regions experiencing an increase in precipitation, like certain parts of Eastern Asia, demonstrated rising water levels.

2. Human Impact: Human activities, including agriculture and urbanization, contributed to changes in water availability. For instance, in regions with agricultural expansion, water levels may have decreased due to increased extraction for irrigation purposes.

3. Ice Sheet Dynamics: Regions like Antarctica faced rapid changes; ice sheets melted in some areas while nearby regions remained stable or increased in water levels due to local climatic conditions.

4. Temperature Effects: Higher temperatures have affected evaporation rates, leading to dried water bodies in arid regions while increasing moisture in others due to changes in precipitation patterns.

5. Ecosystem Responses: The disparities in water availability have implications for ecosystems. In places with decreased water levels, there may be stress on local flora and fauna, while regions with increased water may see flooding and habitat shifts.

In summary, the observed changes between 2012 and 2016 illustrate a complex relationship between climate change and human actions, resulting in diverse impacts on terrestrial water systems across different regions.