How does climate change potentially affect non-perennial water sources?

The selection of the statement regarding how climate change potentially affects non-perennial water sources is grounded in the understanding of how changes in climate patterns influence water availability and flow characteristics.

Non-perennial water sources, such as seasonal rivers or streams, are defined by their fluctuating flow, which often varies significantly throughout the year. Climate change can result in shifts in precipitation patterns, leading to more extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfall. Such alterations can increase the seasonality of flow in these water sources, meaning that they may experience more pronounced variations in their flow rates depending on the time of year.

As temperatures rise, for instance, snowmelt may occur earlier in the spring, causing a spike in flow during a period where historically, flow might have been more evenly distributed throughout the year. Conversely, increased evaporation rates during hotter months can exacerbate drought conditions, leading to lower flows during those times.

Thus, stating that climate change can lead to greater seasonality in the flow of non-perennial water sources accurately reflects these complex and dynamic interactions between climate and hydrology.