Human Impacts - Water Flashcards
0
Q
Reasons for water demand increases in the last 50 years
A
- Population increased
- Use of water in agriculture increased
- Industrial and social development increased
- Decreasing rainfall in some areas
1
Q
Renewable resource
A
- A natural resource which can replenish with the passage of time
- Through biological reproduction or naturally recurring processes (e.g. Cycles)
2
Q
A problem with water availability has to do with unequal supply and demand in an area. Explain?
A
- Population density varies.
- E.g. Settlement in cities equal areas of very high demand, often with low supply.
3
Q
A short term solution to the limited supply of water?
A
Water rationing
4
Q
Constructions designed store large amounts of water to meet a varied demand in a particular area
A
Dams
5
Q
Disadvantages of dam construction
A
- Rivers dry up
- Natural flow rates changes
- Vegetation changed along banks of rivers
- Ecosystems disrupted
- Soil erosion
- Rivers and dams fill with silt
- Loss of water through evaporation from dam
6
Q
Advantages of dam construction
A
- Immediate access to water
- Easier for council to budget water use
- Hydroelectric potential
- Other economic benefits include engineering, construction and investment possibilities
7
Q
Wetlands are?
A
- Found in and around river systems
- Where flow of water slows down as it reaches the ocean
8
Q
Examples of wetlands
A
- Vleis
- Springs
- estuaries
- floodplains
- bogs
- swamps
- lakes
- marshes
9
Q
Vegetation characterizing wetlands
A
- Reeds
- Sedges
10
Q
Animals characterizing wetlands
A
- Water birds
- Aquatic insects
- Small fish
11
Q
Wetland ecosystem services
A
- Store water
- Control flooding
- Reduce sediment load in rivers
- Maintain river flow
- Improve water quality
- Provide habitat for wildlife
12
Q
Causes of wetland destruction
A
- Lowered water table (by overuse)
- Drainage of wetlands (for other land use)
- Pollution
- Overexploitation of wildlife (e.g. fishing)
13
Q
Working for Wetlands program
A
- Government initiative for Monitoring
- Reclaiming
- Managing
14
Q
Farming practices that affect water availability
A
- Wasting water (e.g. sprinklers with lots of evaporation)
- Farming too close to river systems (soil erosion)