The Water Cycle (AQA A Level Geography): Exam Questions

Figure 1 represents data from a climate model for Africa. The map shows how rainfall totals are expected to change in Africa by 2099 compared with 1986−2005 averages. The graphs show predictions for rainfall change by month between 2080 and 2099, compared with average rainfall taken from 1986−2005.

Figure 1

Using Figure 1, analyse projected rainfall change in Africa.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the natural and human-induced causes of the 2005 flood in Carlisle.

Figure 1 shows annual and 5-year moving average rainfall data for two measuring stations in South Africa: Royal Observatory and Dwarsberg.

Note: The 5-year moving average plots the mean value of the previous 5 years.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows the number of days when precipitation is high enough for plant growth across southern Africa in 2000 and that projected for 2050.

Using Figure 1 and your own knowledge, assess the predicted impact of climate change upon life in this region.

Figure 2a shows two maps indicating the changing vegetation cover in the Taguibo Watershed in Agusan del Norte province, northeastern Mindanao Island, Philippines, from 1976 and 2001. The third map shows how the area could be rehabilitated with natural vegetation.

Figure 2b shows the possible impact of a storm in 2007 upon the runoff volume in the Taguibo Watershed for each of the situations shown in Figure 2a.

Figure 2a

Changing vegetation cover in the Taguibo Watershed, from 1976 to 2001 and how the area could be rehabilitated with natural vegetation

Figure 2b

Possible impact of a storm in 2007 on runoff volume in the Taguibo Watershed for each situation shown in Figure 2a

Using Figure 2a, Figure 2b and your own knowledge, assess the potential impact of changing vegetation cover upon runoff in this area.

Figure X shows rainfall data, a measured hydrograph and a simulated hydrograph for Taguibo Watershed in Mindanao Island, southern Philippines. The data were collected from 13 to 17 April 2007. The simulated hydrograph is a computer-generated prediction of discharge.

Analyse the data shown in Figure X.

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Analyse the data shown in Table 1 on water balance components for selected UK river catchments.

Table 1: Mean annual water balance components for selected UK river catchments (2020–2022 average)

Source: Environment Agency / Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (2023)

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: River discharge and hourly rainfall data for the River Eden at Carlisle during a storm event, December 2015.

Source: Adapted from Environment Agency discharge records, River Eden at Carlisle, December 2015.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the factors affecting infiltration rates in a drainage basin.

Figure 2: A line graph showing infiltration rates over time for three contrasting land surface types in a temperate UK drainage basin.

Source: Adapted from Environment Agency natural flood management research data, 2018.

Figure 2 shows river flow data measured at various gauging stations across parts of the UK on 7 November 2019.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess factors affecting the likelihood of flooding across the UK.

With reference to a river catchment that you have studied, assess the potential factors that could impact the flood hydrograph.

Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied.

Assess the extent to which human activity has changed the water cycle.

Evaluate the factors that cause variations in drainage basin runoff.

Evaluate the factors responsible for changes in the magnitude of water stores over time.

Evaluate the extent to which human activities have disturbed the global water cycle.