THE EAST AFRICAN UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
UNIT NAME :HYDROLOGY AND WATER
RESOURCE
UNIT CODE: 4204
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED TO: MADAM DINAH ADINO
SUBMITTED BY: SAMUEL WAFULA
BED/0553/2020

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1.Give a vivid descriptigon of the hydrological cycle using a diagram

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The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a fundamental process that governs
the continuous movement and distribution of water on Earth. It plays a crucial role in sustaining
life, shaping landscapes, and influencing climate patterns. This essay delves into the intricacies
of the hydrological cycle, exploring its key components, interrelations, and the factors that
affect its dynamics.At the heart of the hydrological cycle lie several interconnected processes
that perpetuate the movement of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and
underground reservoirs. These processes include evaporation, condensation, precipitation,
runoff, infiltration, and transpiration.

Evaporation marks the beginning of the cycle, as heat from the sun causes water from oceans,
rivers, lakes, and vegetation to change from liquid to vapor form and ascend into the
atmosphere. This vapor then undergoes condensation, as it cools and forms clouds, facilitated
by condensation nuclei such as dust and pollutants suspended in the air.

Once the clouds become saturated with moisture, precipitation occurs in the form of rain, snow,
sleet, or hail, returning water to the Earth's surface. This precipitation either flows over the land
as surface runoff, replenishing rivers, streams, and oceans, or infiltrates into the soil, recharging
groundwater reservoirs and sustaining plant life.

Infiltrated water may undergo percolation, gradually moving downward through the soil layers
until it reaches the water table, contributing to groundwater storage. Some of this groundwater
eventually discharges into surface water bodies, completing the cycle of water movement.

Transpiration, another vital process, occurs when plants absorb water from the soil through
their roots and release it into the atmosphere through tiny pores in their leaves. This contributes
to atmospheric moisture and influences regional climate patterns, particularly in areas with
dense vegetation.

In conclusion, the hydrological cycle is a dynamic and essential process that sustains life and
shapes the Earth's landscapes. Understanding its components, interrelations, and the factors
that affect its dynamics is crucial for effective water resource management, ecosystem
preservation, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. As stewards of the planet, it is
imperative that we strive to maintain the delicate balance of the hydrological cycle to ensure the
continued availability of water for present and future generations.

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2. Discuss the interrelation of the components of water cycle

1. Evaporation and Condensation:

- Evaporation is the process by which water changes from liquid to vapor form and ascends
into the atmosphere, driven by solar energy. This water vapor then undergoes condensation as it
cools, forming clouds. Evaporation supplies water vapor to the atmosphere, which is essential
for cloud formation during condensation.

2.Condensation and Precipitation:

- Condensation leads to the formation of clouds, where water vapor condenses into tiny
droplets or ice crystals. These droplets coalesce to form larger droplets, eventually becoming
heavy enough to fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet,
or hail. Precipitation is directly dependent on the condensation process within clouds.

3. Precipitation and Runoff/Infiltration:

- Precipitation replenishes surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans through
runoff, where water flows over the land surface and collects in water bodies. Additionally,
precipitation infiltrates into the soil, replenishing groundwater reservoirs through infiltration. The
balance between runoff and infiltration depends on factors such as soil permeability, land slope,
and vegetation cover.

4. Runoff/Infiltration and Groundwater Recharge:

- Runoff contributes to surface water flow and plays a crucial role in maintaining river
networks and sustaining aquatic ecosystems. Infiltration allows water to percolate through the
soil and recharge groundwater reservoirs. The rate of groundwater recharge depends on factors
such as soil type, vegetation cover, and the intensity of precipitation events.

5. Groundwater Recharge and Discharge:

- Groundwater recharge occurs as infiltrated water seeps downward through the soil layers
and reaches the water table, replenishing groundwater reservoirs. This groundwater may later
discharge into surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and springs, completing the cycle of
water movement.

6. Transpiration and Atmospheric Moisture:

- Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water from the soil through their roots

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and release it into the atmosphere through their leaves in the form of water vapor. This adds
moisture to the atmosphere, contributing to humidity levels and influencing cloud formation and
subsequent precipitation events.

Overall, the interrelation of the components of the water cycle ensures a continuous and
balanced exchange of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and underground
reservoirs, sustaining life and shaping the environment. Understanding these interrelations is
crucial for effective water resource management, ecosystem preservation, and climate
regulation.

3. Discuss factors that affect the hydrological cycle and their effects.

Several factors can influence the hydrological cycle, impacting the distribution, availability, and
quality of water resources. These factors range from natural phenomena to human activities
and can have significant effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and water management. Here are
some of the key factors affecting the hydrological cycle and their effects:

1. Climate Change: Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and weather extremes

associated with climate change can alter the dynamics of the hydrological cycle. Increased
temperatures can lead to higher rates of evaporation, altering regional precipitation patterns
and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods,
and droughts. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, affect water availability for agriculture
and human consumption, and exacerbate water-related hazards.

2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure

development can disrupt local hydrological cycles. Trees play a crucial role in regulating the
water cycle by intercepting rainfall, promoting infiltration, and maintaining soil moisture levels
through transpiration. Deforestation reduces these processes, leading to increased surface
runoff, soil erosion, and decreased groundwater recharge. It can also contribute to changes in
regional climate patterns and loss of biodiversity.

3. Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and
parking lots can alter natural drainage patterns and increase surface runoff. This can lead to
flash flooding, erosion of waterways, and reduced groundwater recharge. Urbanization also
generates heat islands, where temperatures are higher than in surrounding rural areas,
influencing local weather patterns and intensifying heatwaves and urban flooding events.

4. Land Use Changes: Changes in land use, such as conversion of natural habitats to
agricultural fields or pastureland, can affect soil properties, vegetation cover, and water flow
patterns. Agricultural practices such as irrigation, drainage, and land leveling can alter surface
runoff, increase sedimentation in water bodies, and deplete groundwater resources. Poor land

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management practices can also lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased
vulnerability to erosion and flooding.

5. Water Management Practices: Human activities related to water management, such as dam
construction, water diversions, and groundwater extraction, can significantly impact the
hydrological cycle. Dams alter river flow regimes, trap sediment, and modify downstream
ecosystems, affecting aquatic habitats and sediment transport processes. Groundwater
pumping for irrigation, industrial, and municipal purposes can lead to aquifer depletion, land
subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, jeopardizing water supplies and
ecosystems dependent on groundwater.

6. Pollution: Contamination of water bodies with pollutants such as nutrients, pesticides, heavy
metals, and industrial chemicals can degrade water quality, impair aquatic ecosystems, and
disrupt the natural processes of the hydrological cycle. Pollution from agricultural runoff, urban
runoff, industrial discharges, and wastewater effluents can lead to eutrophication, algal blooms,
fish kills, and health risks for human populations dependent on polluted water sources.

In summary, the hydrological cycle is influenced by a complex interplay of natural and human-
induced factors. Understanding these factors and their effects is crucial for sustainable water
resource management, ecosystem conservation, and resilience to climate change impacts.
Effective strategies for mitigating the negative effects of these factors may include land-use
planning, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, water conservation measures, and
pollution prevention initiatives.

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