Enviornment essay

WATER BUDGET FOR TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA (Figure 2)

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
P	7.4	6.8	9.6	9.4	10.1	10.2	8.1	8.2	8.7	6.9	8.4	7.5
PE	0.0	0.0	1.8	4.9	10.2	13.4	15.8	13.8	9.9	5.2	1.7	0.1
P-PE	7.4	6.8	7.8	4.5	-0.1	-3.2	-7.7	-5.6	-1.2	2.7	6.7	7.4
Change in ST	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	-0.1	-3.2	-6.7	0.0	0.0	2.7	6.7	0.6
ST	10. 0	10. 0	10. 0	10. 0	9.9	6.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.7	9.4	10
AE	0.0	0.0	1.8	4.9	10. 2	13. 4	14.8	8.2	8.7	5.2	1.7	0.1
D	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	5.6	1.2	0.0	0.0	0.0
S	7.4	6.8	7.8	4.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	7.4

How do these 2 locations compare in their surplus, deficit, usage, and recharge characteristics?  Describe in detail, how and why these areas have differences in their characteristics.  Remember to look at characteristics such as geographic position, topography, elevation, climate, prevailing winds, and access to moisture

Surplus characteristics

Berkeley has surplus in the months of January, February and March while Terre Haute has its surplus on the months of December, January, February, March and April. These clearly shows that Terre Haute has 5 months of surplus and a period in which soil is holding its capacity water due to low rates of evaporation. On the other hand, Berkeley has 3 months of surplus, which is less compared to that in Terre Haute. The tables indicate that Terre Haute experiences more months of winter than Berkeley.

Deficit characteristics

Berkeley has a water deficit in the months of June, July, August, September and October. Terre Haute has a water deficit in the months of July, August and September. This shows that Berkeley has 5 months in which there is no water storage, indicating that there is no precipitation and the evaporation rates are high. On the other hand, Terre Haute has 3 months, which is less compared with Berkeley. The tables show that Berkeley experiences more months in summer than it is in Terre Haute.

Usage characteristics

In Berkeley, water that has been in storage is used in the months of April, May while in Terre Haute, stored water is used during the months of May and June. Stored water is utilized during spring. These indicates that spring starts on April in Berkeley and May in Terre Haute. The tables show that usage in both locations takes place during two months.

Recharge characteristics

Recharge takes place in fall. In Berkeley, recharge takes place November and December, while in Terre Haute, recharge takes place in October and November.

Differences in characteristics

Berkeley experiences water deficit because of its location. Berkeley, California is in a region that experiences the Mediterranean climate that occurs due to the following characteristics: being located between the latitudes of 30 and 45 degrees in the globe. The area occurs in between a strong maritime influence and a band of mountains. Being in the western orientation, Berkeley areas experience high pressure accumulation which results to dry summers.

The area of Berkeley is also exposed to the prevailing western winds that carry the effects of the sea and moderating the temperatures of the area. Cold water currents (California current) experienced in the area moderate the temperatures in warm and cold seasons. The currents determine the precipitation patterns of the area. Elevation differences and the moisture carried away by the currents and winds from the sea causes low levels of precipitation in this area. Summers are warm and hot, winters are cool but mild (Gimcw.org, 2015).

Terre Haute, Indiana is in the mid-west of the country. It borders Wabash River on the west. The terrain is mostly plains and fields. The high temperatures experienced in the region are 109° and lows of -4° F. precipitation is constant throughout the year, with an average of 2 inches (Climate-charts.com, 2015).

References

Gimcw.org,. (2015). Characteristics of mediterranean climates. Retrieved 27 January 2015, from http://gimcw.org/climate/characteristics.cfm

Climate-charts.com,. (2015). Terre haute in state, Indiana, USA: Climate, Global Warming, and Daylight Charts and Data. Retrieved 27 January 2015, from http://www.climate-charts.com/USA-Stations/IN/IN128723.php