Question

Explain a negative effect irrigation may have on water

Answer 1

Answer: Groundwater pumping and irrigation can disrupt natural atmospheric processes, affect the whole water cycle, and potentially worsen water shortages during heatwaves, a new study suggests. The findings contribute to our understanding of how to manage water resources under future climate change conditions. The study shows how some of the most intensive water managed areas of Europe - such as the Iberian Peninsula - could be affected by the extraction of groundwater during years when conditions are especially hot and dry, potentially amplifying water scarcity in already-stressed regions.