Water supply and relationship to physical geography Flashcards
What negative impacts can over abstraction from rivers have?
increased concentration of pollutants
decreased velocity, sedimentation
reduced flow of water downstream - impact soil, marine life etc…
How does physical geography affect water supply?
Determines where water is located.
BUT - economic stress and human stress exacerbate this.
What are the negatives of reservoirs?
only used when topography suits.
impacts whole river system.
conflict with stakeholders
sedimentation, siltation,
GHG released
What are the positives of reservoirs?
People = in control
HEP power
flood control
stored water supply.
recreation
What is the difference between confined and unconfined aquifers?
CONFINED - below.
form at a slower pace.
Not usually impacted by drought (think climate change…)
UNCONFINED -
affected by drought
closer to Earth’s surface.
Artesian well and basins
Water level rises. Pressure causes water to reach ground surface. can make a surface lake.
What are the issues of over abstraction?
Ground sinking
Vegetation changes, loss of wetlands
drying soils - leads to osmotic dehydration of roots.
low water table
drying rivers.
