Surface waters climate influence

Global warming would also be expected to influence surface waters such as lakes and streams, through changes induced in the hydrologic cycle. However, the last published report of the IPCC states no clear evidence of widespread change in annual streamflows and peak discharges of rivers in the world (IPCC, 1995, p. 158). Wliile lake and inland sea levels have fluctuated, the IPCC also points out that local effects make it difficult to use lake levels to monitor climate variations. 

Randall, G. W., and MuUa, D. J. (2001). Nitrate nitrogen in surface waters as influence by climatic conditions and agricultural practices. J. Environ. Qual. 30, 337—344. 

A risk assessment requires a characterization of exposure setting. In this step, the assessor characterizes the exposure setting with respect to the general physical characteristics of the site and the characteristics of the populations on and near the site. Basic site characteristics such as climate, vegetation, ground-water hydrology, and the presence and location of surface water are identified in this step. Populations are also identified and are described with respect to those characteristics that influence exposure, such as location relative to the site, activity patterns, and the presence of sensitive subpopulations. The characteristics of the current population, as well as those of any potential future populations are considered. 

Continental surface waters originate from atmospheric and surface waters. The chemical composition of the continental waters is determined first of all by the reactions between atmospheric water, soil and rocks (from fairly recently, this composition has been and is being significantly influenced by the activity of man). Surface waters supplied by groundwaters are more mineralized, whereas mineralization is more moderate when atmospheric waters predominate. The character of the surface waters is determined by the representation of the above presented sources in the surface waters, climatic effects (precipitations, temperature), structure of geological layers and tributaries. 

The process of evaporation, vertical and horizontal transport of vapor, condensation, precipitation, and the flow of water from continents to oceans. It is a major factor in determining climate through its influence on surface vegetation, the clouds, snow and ice, and soil moisture. The hydrologic cycle is responsible for 25 to 30 percent of the mid-latitudes heat transport from the equatorial to polar regions, hydrology... 

Adequate sampling and monitoring of indicator bacteria in surface waters require a good understanding of enteric bacteria distributions and the factors that influence their densities in water. Fecal coliform concentrations are not evenly distributed in surface waters. Their densities vary in relation to season, climate, tidal cycles, and environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, turbidity, nutrients, and solar radiation intensity. 

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