Freshwater Resources Flashcards
Urbanisation what is it ? Consequences ? Management ?
What is it: process of altering land to support growing population. Clearing land for development of infrastructure
Consequences: pollution, waterway flushing, flooding, erosion, decreased soil moisture
Management: increasing permeability of surfaces. Slowing water down b4 entering waterway. Have rain typa gardens
Eutrophication what is it ? Consequences ? Management ?
What is it:
Excessive nutrient levels in waterways causing increased algae growth. Damages biodiversity n function of ecosystem
Consequences:
nutrients promotes algae growth. Algae reduces sunlight in water and depleted oxygen. fish n vegetation die
Management:
Reducing farm water runoff
Buffer strips of vegetation
Irrigation salinity what is it ? Consequences ? Management ?
What is it:
Rise in saline groundwater and build up of salt in soil and water surface in irrigated areas.
How is it caused:
Large levels of irrigation water locally raising groundwater levels n changing salt
Consequences:
Reduced biodiversity n increase in weeds
Management:
Using water efficiently
Crops only receive water they can use
Siltation
What is it:
Addition of fine particles of silt dirt soil n sediment to waterways. Too much siltation causes major ecosystem problems. Caused by erosion and human activity
Consequences:
Clogs gills n filter feeding animals
Inhibits photosynthesis
Management:
Allow natural growth around waterways to reduce erosion
Dry land salinity
What is it:
Salt accumulation in soil and water
Occurs due to groundwater recharge, groundwater movement, groundwater discharge.
What causes it:
Removing deep rooted plants n having no plants or shallow rooted plants causes the water table to rise. Brings salt to the surface and soil
Consequences:
Poor plant health, loss of productive species, dominant salt tolerant species, erosion
Management strategies:
Maintain adequate vegetation cover
Maintaining soil health
