Geography - Are we running out of water - key themes

Question 1

Distribution of water within the hydrological cycle and across the world.

Answer 1

The distrubition of water on earth is uneven, with most water stored in the oceans (96%) and a small amount available for human use.

Question 2

Causes of water scarcity- physical

Answer 2

PHYSICAL:
Climate change- rising temperatures and changing weather patterns lead to more droughts and less rainfall, which reduces the amount of water available.
Salt water encroachment- salt water can contaminate fresh water sources.

Question 3

Causes of water scarcity- human

Answer 3

Population growth- as the population increases, so does the demand for water.
Industrial pollution- when industries release pollutants into the water.

Question 4

Impacts of water scarcity (e)

Answer 4

Economic decline- water scarcity can slow economic growth, especially in argiculture.

Question 5

Impacts of water scarcity (h)

Answer 5

Health issues- water scarcity can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases like chloera and typhoid fever.

Question 6

Impacts of water scarcity (f)

Answer 6

Food insecurity- water scarcity can make it hard to grow crops, which can lead to food insecurity.

Question 7

How supplies of water can be increased (d)

Answer 7

Desalination- removes salt from seawater to create fresh water. Can be used where fresh water is scarce and seawater is plentiful it can be used for drinking water, irrigation and manufacturing.

Question 8

How supplies of water can be increased (w)

Answer 8

Water transfer schemes- move water from areas with excess water to areas with water shortages.