How can weather events disturb surface water quality?

Weather events can significantly disturb surface water quality primarily by promoting sedimentation and introducing pollutants. When heavy rainfall occurs, it can lead to increased runoff, which carries soil, debris, and various contaminants from the land into nearby bodies of water. This process is known as sedimentation, where sediments get deposited in water bodies, leading to cloudiness and a decrease in light penetration, which can negatively affect aquatic life.

Furthermore, storms and floods can wash pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and waste materials, into surface waters. This influx of contaminants can alter the chemical composition of the water, promoting harmful algal blooms and degrading overall water quality. These developments can have serious consequences for ecosystems and drinking water supplies, making it crucial to understand the impacts of weather events on surface water.

Other choices do not accurately describe the effects of weather on surface water quality. For example, stabilizing water temperatures typically benefits aquatic ecosystems rather than disturbing them. Similarly, while dryer weather patterns can affect surface water availability, they do not directly disturb water quality in the way that increased runoff and sedimentation do. Lastly, the impact of atmospheric pressure changes is minimal on water quality compared to the immediate effects of weather events.