Climate Change and the European Water Dimension - Agri ...

Climate Change
and the
European Water Dimension
Chapter III. The Hydrologic Cycle
Key Points
• The “hydrologic cycle” comprises nature’s method of
replenishing, redistributing and purifying the world's
natural water resources.
• Increases in temperature may lead to increased
evaporation, and changes in precipitation patterns and
regimes.
• Global average precipitation is predicted to rise, but this
increase is likely to be regional. Winter and spring
precipitation may increase in Northern Europe and summer
precipitation will decrease, although southern, central and
Eastern Europe may experience reduced precipitation.
• The incidence of extreme precipitation events is predicted
to increase, which suggests implications not only for
increased contamination resulting from run-off but also
decreased groundwater recharge and increased incidence
of flooding. Duration, intensity and frequency of drought
spells might also increase.
• Changes in precipitation patterns might influence
availability of surface water resources, leading to increased
exploitation of groundwater. Exploitation beyond a
sustainable level may adversely impact wetlands and
coastal ecosystems.
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