Effects of Ice and Snow on the Hydrologic Cycle

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Ice/Snow Decrease

Decreased ice and snow leads to:

- Decreased sublimation

- Decreased groundwater reservoir

- Decreased precipitation

+ Decreased melt runoff

Illustration of a lower lake level due to decreased melt runoff from ice and snow.

 

 


Ice/Snow Increase

Increased ice and snow leads to:

+ Increased sublimation

+ Increased groundwater reservoir

+ Increased precipitation

+ Increased melt runoff

Illustration of higher lake level because more moisture is coming down in the form of rain and melt runoff; sublimation is also increased.

 

 

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