Final answer:
A water budget graph for a cool temperate location would illustrate the balance of precipitation and water loss mechanisms. Precipitation ranges here support grasslands with fertile soils due to dense vegetation. Climate change predictions of reduced precipitation and increased drought occurrences should also be considered in water budget projections.
Step-by-step explanation:
A water budget graph for a cool temperate location would display the balance between the input of precipitation and the output through evapotranspiration, runoff, and other forms of water loss. Annual precipitation in cool temperate areas typically ranges from 25.4 cm to 88.9 cm. This amount of rainfall supports grassland ecosystems where trees are scarce, and where the dense vegetation of grasses contributes to highly fertile soils.
However, when constructing a water budget graph, it is also important to consider climate change projections that indicate potential decreases in precipitation and increased drought occurrences in many regions of the world. In contrast to historical data, future predictions should also be accounted for in water budget analyses.
Water scarcity is becoming a significant issue, as shown in various metropolitan areas projected to face moderate to severe precipitation decrease towards the end of the 21st century. Therefore, a water budget graph should reflect not only current conditions but also these long-term trends.