Assess the extent to which there are inter relationships between processes in the water cycle and factors driving change in the carbon cycle

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Assess the extent to which there are inter relationships between processes in the water cycle and factors driving change in the carbon cycle

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the earth and atmosphere by evaporation, condensation, precipitation and transpiration. The carbon cycle is an open system but consisting of key sub systems within. These operate as open systems, exchanging and transferring carbon between them and, in doing so affect conditions for all life on earth. The water and carbon cycles are closely intertwined with each other. Both cycles are essential for life on earth. Processes in the water cycle correspond to changes in the carbon cycle. For example, weathering releases carbon back into the atmosphere but it could not happen without water.

The water and carbon cycles are both essential for life. Carbon is a fundamental building block of life as all living things contain carbon. All living things also need water to survive. The water and carbon cycle affect most food chains as they are important during the process of photosynthesis in plants which form the base of many food chains. Photosynthesis requires inputs of both the water and carbon cycles. The water and carbon cycles make earths temperatures inhabitable as they regulate the climate. Water is present in the atmosphere as water vapor whist carbon exists as CO2 and methane. These are greenhouse gases and prevent some energy escaping the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect means earth is an inhabitable temperature rather than completely frozen.    

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Deforestation is one human factor that links the water and carbon cycle. In the past 50 years 10% of the amazon rainforest has permanently disappeared. In the short term this effects the water cycle as it reduces interception which means soils will saturate quicker and surface runoff will increase. However, in the long term, once the water has left the area via rivers, the water cycle will be permanently disrupted. This means that there will be less rainfall, and the formations of Badlands. Deforestation also effects the carbon cycle as forest clearance reduces the size of the carbon store. ...

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