The Influence of Topography on the Global Terrestrial Water Cycle
University of Freiburg · University of Potsdam · +6 more institutions
Abstract
Abstract Topography affects the distribution and movement of water on Earth, yet new insights about topographic controls continue to surprise us and exciting puzzles remain. Here we combine literature review and data synthesis to explore the influence of topography on the global terrestrial water cycle, from the atmosphere down to the groundwater. Above the land surface, topography induces gradients and contrasts in water and energy availability. Long‐term precipitation usually increases with elevation in the mid‐latitudes, while it peaks at low‐ to mid‐elevations in the tropics. Potential evaporation tends to decrease with elevation in all climate zones. At the land surface, topography is expressed in snow…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 41.39
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 388
Authors
6- SGSebastian GnannCorresponding
University of Freiburg, University of Potsdam
- JWJane W. Baldwin
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine University, Columbia University
- MCMark Cuthbert
Cardiff University
- TGTom Gleeson
University of Victoria
- WSWolfgang Schwanghart
University of Potsdam
Topics & keywords
- Water cycle
- Geology
- Environmental science
- Astrobiology
- Earth science
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric sciences
- Climatology
- Clean water and sanitation