Chap 12: Freshwater Distribution, Use, and Sources. Flashcards

Exam 2 Prep

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1
Q

How much of the planet’s water is saltwater? (Hint: it is the majority).

A

97.5%

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2
Q

How much of the planet’s water is fresh? (Hint: it is the minority).

A

2.5%

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3
Q

Where is most of the freshwater stored?

A

80% is in glaciers and polar regions.

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4
Q

20% of fresh water is stored in a _ _ _ _ _ _ s

A

Aquifers.

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5
Q

Where is the minority of freshwater?

A

On the surface in rivers and ponds.

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6
Q

Is freshwater evenly distributed across the planet?

A

No.

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7
Q

True or false: many areas with high populations have significant stores of freshwater.

A

False.

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8
Q

What is freshwater mostly used for?

A

Agriculture at 70%.

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9
Q

What is the second highest use for freshwater?

A

Industrial at 20%.

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10
Q

What is the third type of use for freshwater?

A

Domestic at 10%.

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11
Q

True or false: developing nations hardly use water for agriculture.

A

False, agriculture is their highest use for freshwater.

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12
Q

True or false: industrialized nations can afford to conserve freshwater use, particularly in agriculture.

A

True.

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13
Q

What are consumptive uses of water?

A

They do not return water to its original source after use. Examples include agricultural irrigation and residential use.

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14
Q

What are non-consumptive uses of water?

A

Water is immediately returned to the original source after use. Examples include hydroelectric dams and industrial cooling towers.

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15
Q

What is groundwater?

A

Water that is stored underground in aquifers.

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16
Q

How does water end up in aquifers?

A

Water enters the soil from a recharge area and ends up in an aquifer.

17
Q

What ecosystem service does the soil provide when it allows water into an aquifer?

A

Filtration.

18
Q

What is overdraft?

A

When water is taken from aquifers faster than rainfall can recharge the supply. This causes water levels to drop.

19
Q

How does overdraft lead to sinkholes?

A

If too much water is removed, then the ground becomes unstable and sinks in.

20
Q

Surface water is easily accessible to humans. Why can this be bad?

A

It is also easier to contaminate.