BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus, Tagbilaran City
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Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and
technological fields; undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol
and the country.
Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for
sustainable development in Bohol and the Country.
Name: Daniel G. Jaso Subject: CE 09 HYDROLOGY
Course & Section: BSCE-3B Date Assigned: 01.26.24
ACTIVITY NO. 1
Human Impact on the Hydrologic Cycle
Thesis Statement: The increasing influence of human activities on the hydrologic cycle,
manifested through deforestation, urbanization, agricultural practices, and climate
change, has far-reaching consequences on the Earth's water distribution, runoff
patterns, and overall ecosystem health, necessitating urgent consideration of
sustainable practices to mitigate these impacts and preserve the integrity of the
hydrological system.
This paper explores the intricate relationship between human activities and the
hydrologic cycle, shedding light on the various ways in which human actions influence
the Earth's water cycle. The objective is to provide a foundational understanding of the
subject by examining key concepts, such as water consumption, land use changes,
pollution, and climate change, and their collective impact on the hydrologic cycle.
Through a review of current literature and scientific studies, this paper aims to
contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding environmental sustainability and the
need for responsible water management.
I. Introduction:
The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a fundamental Earth process
that involves the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and
oceans. Human activities have significantly altered this natural cycle, leading to
widespread environmental consequences. This paper seeks to explore the ways in
which human impact manifests within the hydrologic cycle and the implications for
ecosystems, water resources, and overall environmental health.
II. Water Consumption:
One of the primary ways in which humans influence the hydrologic cycle is through
excessive water consumption. Population growth, urbanization, and industrialization
have led to an increased demand for freshwater resources. Agriculture, in particular,
accounts for a substantial portion of global water usage. The paper will delve into the
consequences of unsustainable water extraction practices and the importance of water
conservation strategies to mitigate these effects.
III. Land Use Changes:
Human activities such as deforestation, urban expansion, and agricultural practices can
alter land surfaces, affecting the hydrologic cycle. Changes in land cover influence the
rates of evaporation, transpiration, and runoff, ultimately impacting the distribution and
availability of water. This section will explore the relationship between land use changes
and their repercussions on local and regional hydrology.
IV. Water Pollution:
The discharge of pollutants into water bodies is a prevalent consequence of human
activities, adversely affecting the quality of water and disrupting the hydrologic cycle.
Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal contribute to the
contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This section will examine the various
pollutants, their sources, and the cascading effects on aquatic ecosystems and the
hydrologic cycle.
V. Climate Change:
Human-induced climate change has emerged as a significant factor influencing the
hydrologic cycle. Alterations in global temperature patterns, precipitation, and extreme
weather events have far-reaching consequences on water availability and distribution.
This section will explore the interconnectedness between climate change and the
hydrologic cycle, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to address these
changes.
VI. Conclusion:
In conclusion, this paper highlights the multifaceted ways in which human activities
impact the hydrologic cycle. By examining water consumption, land use changes, water
pollution, and climate change, it becomes evident that a holistic approach to water
management is essential for sustainable environmental practices. This exploration
serves as a foundational understanding of the complexities surrounding human
influence on the hydrologic cycle, setting the stage for more in-depth research and
discussions in the field of environmental science.
