How Will Climate Change Affect Drought? - The Water Cycle

The video explains how many regions, including California, depend on snowmelt for their water supply. As the climate warms, snowmelt occurs earlier, and more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow, leading to longer, drier summers. This shift reduces the water supply during the summer when it is most needed, impacting both residential and agricultural needs.

Which regions rely heavily on water from snowmelt in mountains?

• The East Coast

• The Midwest

• The Southern states

• The West, including California

What happens to the timing of snowmelt as the climate warms?

• It remains the same

• It occurs later in the season

• It occurs earlier in the season

• It stops completely

How does climate change affect the form of precipitation?

• Precipitation remains unchanged

• More precipitation falls as rain

• More precipitation falls as snow

• Precipitation stops completely

What is a consequence of earlier snowmelt and longer dry seasons?

• More precipitation in summer

• No change in water supply

• Reduced water supply in summer

• Increased water supply in summer

Why is the reduction in summer water supply particularly important for California?

• California receives little summer precipitation

• California receives a lot of summer precipitation

• California does not rely on snowmelt

• California has abundant water resources