1.5. Systems Concept in Hydrology

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a hydrologic system?

   Hint

   Think about what we mean by 'analyzed'.

2. 2.

   Name one input and one output of a hydrologic system.

   Hint

   Consider what enters and exits systems.

3. 3.

   What defines a closed hydrologic system?

   • A system without inputs
   • A system with no exchanges with the environment
   • A system that only contains groundwater

   Hint

   Consider how the system interacts with its surroundings.

4. 4.

   True or False: Evapotranspiration is considered an output in hydrologic systems.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about where the water goes.

5. 5.

   Design a hydrologic system model for a small town to manage its water resources, highlighting inputs, outputs, and storage strategies.

   Hint

   Think about local climate and geography.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how urbanization alters open hydrologic systems in a watershed. What changes in inputs, outputs, or storage occur?

   Hint

   Consider changes in land use and surface materials.