3.1 - Mae Kong River

Question 1

River Mekong, SE Asia

Answer 1

Sourced from snowmelt on Tibetan Plateau and since monsoon rains.
60 million people dependant on it
Rich biodiversity and fastest growing basin in HEP construction.
Many dams but much less in Laos and Cambodia

Question 2

Which countries Does The River Mekong Run Through

Answer 2

China, Laos, Cambodia

Question 3

MRC (Mekong River Commission)

Answer 3

Manages the lower Mekong but limited power and cash as China refuses to be a member.

Question 4

Rising Pressure On Water Sources

Answer 4

Population growth, Urbanisation, Industrialisation
Better Living Standards -> More Food -> Larger Homes
If continued 40% water deficit

Question 5

Reducing Quantity On Water Sources

Answer 5

Inefficient crop-production
Freshwater withdrawal (Dams & HEP)
2.5bn dependant on groundwater (water & irrigation)

Question 6

Reducing Quality Of Water Sources

Answer 6

Intensive agriculture (fertilisers and pesticides)
Industrial production (wastes, chemicals, mining)
Urbanisation - Runoff & waste water
Agrobusiness - Nitrate and phosphate fertiliser –> eutrophication

Question 7

Problems With Dams

Answer 7

Freshwater held back leaving contaminated water.
Increased water disease

Question 8

Capillary Action

Answer 8

When water makes it’s way back up the ground and. evaporates to leave a layer of salt - shit for irrigation