Question

1. describe two human activities that can affect the water cycle

Explanation:

1. Deforestation: Trees play a role in transpiration (releasing water vapor). When forests are cut down, transpiration decreases, affecting the water cycle's evaporation/condensation stages. Also, roots that help absorb and retain water are lost, increasing runoff and reducing groundwater recharge.
2. Urbanization (and associated impervious surfaces): Building roads, buildings, etc., creates surfaces that don't allow water to infiltrate the ground. This increases surface runoff, reducing groundwater recharge. It also can alter local precipitation patterns due to changes in heat absorption (urban heat island effect) and reduce natural evaporation from soil and vegetation.

Answer:

1. Deforestation: Reduces transpiration, increases runoff, and decreases groundwater recharge.
2. Urbanization (with impervious surfaces): Increases surface runoff, decreases groundwater recharge, and can alter local precipitation patterns.