Chapter 17, Problem 17.1CTDQ

To determine

The changes that might occur in the hydrologic cycle if the climate were to warm or cool significantly.

Answer to Problem 17.1CTDQ

The frequency of hydrologic cycle would increase in warm climate and frequency would decrease in cool climate.

Explanation of Solution

The condensation of water vapors present in the air and their fall under the effect of gravity in the form of rain, snow, drizzle and hail is known as precipitation.

The hydrologic cycle occurs in the environment when water from the water bodies evaporatesinto the sky and fall back in the form of rain. This process is also known as water cycle. If the temperature of the earth would be warmer than normal, then more water would evaporate from the water bodies and result in heavy showers. The warm air can hold more air than cold so more rain would fall. However, due to excess evaporation of water from soil, some lands would become dry and situation of drought would appear. On the other hand, more frequent rains wouldbring a situation of flood in lower areas. However, the frequency of hydrologic cyclein low temperature will be less due to less evaporation of water.