TOPIC 4 Flashcards

1
Q

Precipitation

A

The release of water from clouds; this is a TRANSFER process and NOT a transformation

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2
Q

measuring water quality

A

abiotic factors:
-pH levels –> unusual levels can indication pollution, acidifcation, etc

-temperature –> abnormal temp fluctuations can stress/harm aquatic life

-dissolved oxygen –> low dissolved oxygen can lead to hypoxia

-suspended solids (turbidity) –> level of suspended solids (eg sediment, oganic matter, algae), provides insights into sedimentation, erosions, and overall water quality

-metals –> testing for levels such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic –> assess contamination levels –> monitoring metal concentrations helps idenitfy pollution sources and evaluate potential ecological impacts

-nitrates and phosphates –> assess nutrient pollution –> monitoring helps manage nutrient inputs and prevent water quality degradation

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3
Q

Physical water scarcity reasons (2 points)

A

-The climate in that region is dry and/or the water is being OVER-EXTRACTED for human use, either for domestic, agricultural, or industrial use.

-This may be for INDUSTRIAL USES or IRRIGATION

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4
Q

Abstraction (definition)

A

Taking water OUT of the water table

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5
Q

What are some improvements to technology in fishing?

A

-Improvements to boats
-improvements to fishing gear (use of trawler bags)
-detection of fisheries via satellites and sonar

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6
Q

Base of aquatic food chains

A

Photosynthesis by phytoplankton

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7
Q

Biodegradation of organic material

A

Uses oxygen which can lead to anoxic conditions and subsequent anaerobic decomposition

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8
Q

EVaporatoin (definition)

A

Transformation of water liquid to water vapour

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9
Q

Economic water scarcity (definition)

A

Probably means that physical infrastructure is NOT in place to ensure that CLEAN SAFE WATER is available to the population

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10
Q

ways humans impact the water cycle (4)

A

-withdrawals

-discharges

-changing the speed and location at which water can flow

-diveriting rivers or sections of rivers

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11
Q

Biotic index

A

Indirectly measures POLLUTION by assaying the impact on species within the community according their TOLERANCE, DIVERSITY, and RELATIVE ABUNDANCE

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12
Q

Surface runoff

A

Water that flows over the surface of land after melting or precipitation

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13
Q

what does diverting rivers/sections of rivers entail?

A

-many are diverted away from important areas to avoid flood damage

-some are diverted TOWARDS dams to improve storage

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14
Q

Advection

A

The wind-blown movement of water (as clouds)

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15
Q

Aquatic pollutants (list of 13)

A

-Floating debris
-Organic material
-Inorganic plant nutrients (nitrates and phosphates)
-Toxic metals
-Synthetic compounds
-Suspended solids
-Hot water
-Oil
-Radioactive pollution
-Pathogens
-Light
-Noise
-Biological pollutants (invasive species)

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16
Q

factors impacting freshwater availability

A

-climate change disrupting rain patterns

-low water levels in rivers and streams

-slow water flow in lower courses of rivers results in sedimentation –> river becomes shallower, deltas extend further into sea thus contaminating them with saltwater

-exhaustion of underground aquifers

-pumping rates from aquifers are too fast –> causes cone of exhaustion –> well becomes unusable

-freshwater becomes contaminated and unusable

-irrigation often results in soil degradation because of salinity –> soil is too saline for further agriculture

-fertilisers and pesticides pollute streams and rivers

-industrial release of pollutants into surface water bodies

-industries and electricity plants release warm water into rivers –> holds less oxygen than cold water –> negatively impacts organisms that extract oxygen from water –> species composition is changed

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17
Q

distribution of freshwater (percentages + bonus thing about it)

A

-0.9% other
-ground water 30.1%
-icecaps/glaciers 68.7%

-generally storages!

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18
Q

Sublimation

A

The transformation of a solid to a gas (e.g., ice to water vapour)

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19
Q

Testing in aquatic systems (list of 6 things tested)

A

-pH
-temperature
-suspended solids (turbidity)
-metals
-nitrates
-phosphates

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20
Q

Melting

A

Transformation of ice/snow to water

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21
Q

strategies for reducing water pollution from farming (5)

A

-reducing the amount of pesticides and fertiliser used (using the smallest possible amount at the most appropriate time)

-replace chemical fertilisers with organic ones –> nutrient release is slower and more likely to be absorbed

-prevent overspray (e.g., spraying pesticides or fertilisers directly into a stream)

-use highly selectic pesticides instead of a generic pesticide

-use biological control measures (importation of enemy, for example)

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22
Q

estuaries

A

-partially enclosed coastal body of water where river freshwater mixes with saltwater of sea

-very high productivity

-water levels rise and fall, exposing mudflats

-shallow water

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23
Q

Glaciers (definition)

A

A slowly-moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles

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24
Q

Stream flow

A

The flow of water in streams, rivers, and other water channels.

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25
Q

Red tide blooms

A

Algae bloom that occurs in coastal eutrophication

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26
Q

Transpiration

A

The process nby which water moves through a aplant and evaporates from the stomata (pores) in the plants’ leaves

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27
Q

what do discharges in water entail?

A

adding pollutants to water, such as:
-chemicals from agriculture
-fertilisers
-sewage

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28
Q

bioretention areas (definition; 2 points)

A

-shallow landscaped depressions

  • typically underdrained

-rely on engineered soils, enhanced vegetation and filtration to remove pollution and reduce runoff downstream

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29
Q

Dead zones

A

Found in both oceans and freshwater where there is NOT ENOUGH OXYGEN dissolved in the water to support life

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30
Q

flows in the hydrological cycle (5)

A

-advection (wind-blown movement)
-flooding
-surface runoff
-infiltration and percolation (water into/through soil and rocks)
-stream flow and current
-evapotranspiration
-condensation
-freezing

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31
Q

Evapotranspiration

A

The combination of evaporation from the earth’s surface and transpiration from plants

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32
Q

Aquaculture

A

The FARMING of marine and freshwater species which involes INTERVENTION in the rearing process to enhance production

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33
Q

Bottom trawling/dredging (2 points)

A

-The bar is dragged along the sea bottom to DISTURB (and thus destroy) the habitat.

-This is used to catch SHELLFISH

34
Q

Development of sustainable drainage in urban areas (6 points)

A

-restoring wetlands
-permeable paving
-wet basins/ponds
-tree pits: rain gardens
-green roofs
-building bioretention areas

35
Q

Anaerobic decomposition (definition and what it produces)

A

microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen

This forms methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia (toxic gases)

36
Q

Water pollution management strategy (list of 3 + examples for each)

A

-altering human activity (using alternatives to inorganic fertilisers and detergents)

-controlling release of pollutant (waste water treatment to remove nitrates and phosphates)

-removing pollutants from the environment and restoring ecosystems (removal of mud from eutrophic lakes and reintroductino of plant and fish species; using aerators)

37
Q

surface currents in the ocean

A

-upper 400m

-bring heat from tropics to polar regions

-earth’s rotation DEFLECTS them and increases circular movement

38
Q

solutions for increasing freshwater supply

A

-reservoirs

-redistribution

-desalination plants, removing salt from seawater

-rainwater harvesting systems (small- and large-scale)

-artificially recharging aquifers

-reducing domestic use of freshwater by using more water efficient showers, dishwashers, toilets

-wash cars in car washes with closed water system

greywater recycling

39
Q

Aquaculture technology (list of 5)

A

-Bag and rack
-Suspended culture
-Shrimp farming in pond systems
-Open net pens or cages
-Recirculating systems for fish farming

40
Q

Groundwater

A

Water held underground in the soil, permeable rocks, or cracks in the rock underground.

41
Q

Deep water currents

A

-also known as thermohaline currents

-90% of ocean currents

-cause the OCEANIC CONVEYER BELT

42
Q

Condensation

A

TRANSFORMATION of water vapour to water liquidC

43
Q

how do ocean currents impact the climate?

A

-distributes heat around the world; like a conveyor belt

-transport WARM WATER and PRECIPITATION from EQUATOR towards the POLES

-transport COLD WATER from the POLES back to the TROPICS

-regulates global cliamte, COUNTERACTING uneven distribution of solar radiation

44
Q

Mitigation strategies of unsustainable exploitation (list of 3)

A

-Policy
-Legislation
-Changes in consumer behaviour

45
Q

Freezing

A

Transformation of water liquid to ice

46
Q

Hydrological cycle

A

The water cycle - how water moves around the Earth’s systems

47
Q

Aquifers

A

A permeable rock contianing water

48
Q

Aquaculture issues (list of 6)

A

-Loss of habitats
-pollution from feed
-fouling agents
-antibiotics and other medicines added to fish pens
-spread of disease
-escaped species (GMOs)

49
Q

Wild fisheries

A

-also known as capture fisheries
-harvesting naturally-occuring resources in aquatic environmemnts

50
Q

Water conservation strategies

A

-Drip irrigation

-Variable flush toilets

-Timed showers instead of baths

-Tap aerators to REDUCE WATER FLOWS out of high pressure taps

-Use of grey water/storm runoff/reclaimed wastewater (already used for washing) for GARDENS AND TOILETS

-dry toilets

-switching off the tap while brushing eeth

-metering water

-fining companies for leaks and wasted water

51
Q

Types of fishing technology (list of 6)

A

-Bottom trawling/dredgin
-Gill nets
-Long lines
-Purse seine nets
-Traps
-Pots

52
Q

rain garden (Definition, 2 points)

A

lets water collect and settle on the garden surface then soak through the plants and soil
filters out pollution

53
Q

Bag and rack system

A

-Shellfish can be sustainably cultivated using ‘bag and rack systems’

-These are exposed at low tide when they are able to be managed. They are ‘seeded’ with young from hatcheries and don’t require extra feed as they simply filter-feed

54
Q

Infiltration

A

The process by which water enters the ground surface of the soil.

55
Q

Percolation

A

The process of water filtering through the soil

56
Q

deep water currents process

A

-created by differences in WATER DENSITY caused by SALT and TEMPERATURE

-WARM WATER holds LESS SALT than cold water –> LESS DENSE –> RISES –> COLD WATER has to RISE FROM DEPTH to REPLACE it (UPWELLINGS)

-COLD WATER holds MORE SALT –> DENSER –> SINKS –> RISES to REPLACE warm water –> replaced by WARM WATER that SINKS (DOWNWELLINGS)

-thiss is how WATER CIRCULATES

57
Q

strategies for reducing water usage in farming (5)

A

-selecting drought resistant crops, reducing need for irrigation

-closed pipes instead of open canals, reducing evaporation

-trickle systems instead of spraying water, reducing evaporation

-subsurface drip irrigation

-pivoting away from cattle farming

58
Q

Eutrophication (2 points)

A

-When lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters receives inputs of NUTRIENTS (nitrates and phosphates) which results in EXCESS GROWTH of plants and phytoplankton.

-This results in OVERPRODUCTION and DEATH and DECOMPOSITION using up oxygen in the water, leading to ANOXIC CONDITIONS (dead zones)

59
Q

Falling fish stocks and damage to habitats is due to….

A

developments in fishing equipment and changing methods of fishing

60
Q

Freshwater supplies are limited by:

A

Contamination and unsustainable abstraction

61
Q

how do humans change the watercycle by changing the speed at which water can flow, and where it flows?

A

-in cities –> building roads, channeling rivers underground or in concentrated areas

-canalising –> straightening large sections of rivers in concrete channels to faciliate MORE RAPID FLOW through sensitive areas

-with dams, barrages, and dykes, making reservoirs

62
Q

What are water supplies enhanced by? (list of 6)

A

-Reservoirs
-Redistribution
-Desalinization
-Artificial recharge of aquifers and rainwater harvesting
-Artificial glaciers
-Cloud seeding

63
Q

Sources of marine pollution )list of 4)

A

-Rivers
-Pipelines
-Atmosphere
-Activities at sea (operational and accidental discharges)

64
Q

Inequitable distribution

A

Water resources are not equally available to all, only to the rich

65
Q

Current (of a body of water)

A

The flow of water in a water body, such as a lake, sea, or ocean

66
Q

biodegradation of organic materials

A

process that utilises oxygen –> creates anoxic conditions –> leads to anaerobic. decomposition –> leads to formation of methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia (toxic gases)

67
Q

Solar Radiation

A

The sun’s energy

68
Q

Ice caps

A

Ice covering a large surface, especially in polar regions

69
Q

persectives to consider in ontroversial species harvesting (e.g., seals and whales) (list of 3)

A

-Ethical issues of biorights

-Rights of indigenous cultures

-International conservation legislation

70
Q

2 kinds of ocean currents

A

surface currents

deep water currents

71
Q

Flooding (definition)

A

An overflow of water onto land that is normally dry

72
Q

Maximum sustainable yield (2 points)

A

-It is the highest amount that can be taken each year without PERMANENTLY DECREASING the amount of natural capital

-Commercial fisheries use the concept of MSY to estimate HOW MUCH fish they can take from the seas

73
Q

what do withdrawals of water entail?

A

withdrawing water for:
-domestic use
-irrigation in agriculture
-industry

74
Q

Biochemical oxygen demand (2 definitions)

A

-A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required to break down the organic material in a given volume of a water through aerobic biological activity

-An indirect measure of the amount of organic matter within a sample

75
Q

Sources of freshwater pollution (list of 4)

A

-Runoff
-Sewrage
-Industrial discharge
-Solid domestic waste

76
Q

The demand for freshwater is limited due to: (list of 3)

A

-Population increase
-Irrigation
-Industrialisation

77
Q

distribution of earth’s water (percentages)

A

-3% freshwater

-97% saline/oceans

78
Q

Indicator species (definition and examples)

A

-Species that can be indicative of polluted waters (and other systems)

-Bacteria, frogs

79
Q

Where do the highest rates of aquatic productivity occur?

A

-Coastlines
-Shallow seas where upwellings and nutrient enrichment occur

80
Q

storages in the hydrological cycle (7)

A

-oceans
-soil
-groundwater (aquifers)
-lakes
-rivers/streams
-atmosphere
-glaciers/icecaps

81
Q

Management streategies for fisheries (list of 3 )

A

-Quotas
-Designation of marine protected areas (exclusion zones)
-Restrictions of types and sizes of fishing gear (including mesh size of nets)