Water supply and relationship to physical geography

Question 1

What negative impacts can over abstraction from rivers have?

Answer 1

increased concentration of pollutants
decreased velocity, sedimentation
reduced flow of water downstream - impact soil, marine life etc…

Question 2

How does physical geography affect water supply?

Answer 2

Determines where water is located.
BUT - economic stress and human stress exacerbate this.

Question 3

What are the negatives of reservoirs?

Answer 3

only used when topography suits.
impacts whole river system.
conflict with stakeholders
sedimentation, siltation,
GHG released

Question 4

What are the positives of reservoirs?

Answer 4

People = in control
HEP power
flood control
stored water supply.
recreation

Question 5

What is the difference between confined and unconfined aquifers?

Answer 5

CONFINED - below.
form at a slower pace.
Not usually impacted by drought (think climate change…)
UNCONFINED -
affected by drought
closer to Earth’s surface.

Question 6

Artesian well and basins

Answer 6

Water level rises. Pressure causes water to reach ground surface. can make a surface lake.

Question 7

What are the issues of over abstraction?

Answer 7

Ground sinking
Vegetation changes, loss of wetlands
drying soils - leads to osmotic dehydration of roots.
low water table
drying rivers.