Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is the global distribution of water?
Saltwater (oceans/saline): 97.5%
Freshwater (2.5% total):
Surface water (lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, canals, freshwater wetlands)
Groundwater (soil moisture, aquifers—underground layers of water-bearing rock)
Atmospheric water (water vapor, 8% of accessible freshwater, part of the water cycle)
Define water security.
The ability to access sufficient quantities of clean water to maintain adequate standards of food and manufacturing of goods, adequate sanitation and sustainable health care.
What are the causes of water insecurity?
Climate change (altered rainfall patterns, droughts, floods)
Pollution & inadequate sanitation
Population growth & land-use changes (deforestation, urbanization)
Competing demands (agriculture, industry, energy, domestic use)
Mismanagement (salinization from irrigation)
International conflicts over water sources
Inequality between water-rich/poor regions & urban/rural access disparities
How does water insecurity impact human populations?
Reduced crop yields/failure → food shortages, malnutrition, famine
Livestock death
Illness from contaminated water (e.g., diarrhea, cholera)
Economic strain due to water scarcity
Evaluate water-management strategies (pros/cons).
5
- Sustainable Extraction & Improved Supply
Pros: Reliable access (piped supply, aquifers, dams).
Cons: Over-extraction depletes sources; dams disrupt ecosystems.
- Reduced Water Usage
Pros: Efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, rainwater recycling.
Cons: High initial costs; behavioral change needed.
- Education & Poverty Reduction
Pros: Long-term sustainability; equitable access.
Cons: Slow implementation; requires funding.
- International Agreements & Aid
Pros: Shared resources; conflict resolution.
Cons: Political challenges; enforcement issues.
- Rationing
Pros: Ensures fair distribution during scarcity.
Cons: Unpopular; may penalize vulnerable groups.
