Changes in the water cycle over time: natural variation including storm events and seasonal changes
The water cycle does not run at a constant rate. Storm events and seasonal shifts naturally speed it up or slow it down, changing how much water moves between stores at any given time.
Real World
The UK's River Severn shows clear seasonal variation: winter discharge regularly exceeds 300 cumecs due to high rainfall and low evapotranspiration, while summer baseflow can drop below 20 cumecs as vegetation intercepts rainfall and soils dry out.
Exam Focus
Link seasonal changes to specific stores and flows — state which store increases or decreases and name the transfer responsible.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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