Unit 8 Exam - Chapter 13
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How long is the Colorado River?
Flows 2,300 km through seven U.S. states
How many days and reservoirs does the Colorado River have?
14 dams and reservoirs
From where is the Colorado River supplied?
snowmelt of the Rocky Mountains
What four places does the Colorado River supply electricity and water to?
Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego Also irrigates crops
What three issues is the Colorado River experiencing?
Very little water is reaching the Gulf of California System has experienced severe drought since 1999 Lake Mead fell to record low water level in 2015
Freshwater …
One of the earth’s most important forms of natural capital Used inefficiently and polluted Low cost encourages waste Not accessible to many people
Why is access to freshwater a GLOBAL HEALTH issue?
Over 4,000 people die each day from lack of access to safe drinking water - water borne diseases and diarrhea
Why is access to freshwater an ECONOMIC issue?
Water is vital for producing food and energy
Why is access to freshwater an ENVIRONMENTAL issue?
Excessive withdrawal
Why is access to freshwater a NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY issue?
“Amidst ever-growing geopolitical tensions, economies experience added pressure on precious natural resources. And as water scarcity forces people to seek resources elsewhere, they risk being exploited or harmed as countries react to the increased migratory flows.”
What percent of the water supply in the world is available freshwater?
0.024% of water global supply
Where does freshwater come from?
Groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams
Hydrologic Cycle
Movement of water in the seas, land, and air Distributed unevenly
How do humans alter the Hydrologic Cycle?
Withdrawing and polluting water, and causing climate change
Why is there freshwater scarcity?
More than enough renewable freshwater Unevenly distributed and polluted
Water footprint
Rough measure of all the water an individual uses
Virtual Water
Virtual water is water used indirectly to produce products and food, but is considered part of a person’s water footprint depending on what they consume Virtual water = Water used to produce food and other products
Where does much of the water from precipitation go?
Seeps underground and into aquifers
What are some of the biggest example of water use in US households?
Washing clothes Showers Toilets Leaks Faucets Electric Power Plant Cooking Irrigation
What do the Nile, Jordan, Yangtze, and Ganges have in common?
Many of the world’s major river systems are highly stressed
How many countries face water scarcity / what is the prediction for the future?
More than 30 countries face freshwater scarcity Estimate: 60 countries by 2050
What percent of Earth’s land experiences drought?
30% of the earth’s land area experiences severe drought Research predicts this will worsen
Is groundwater use sustainable?
Groundwater withdrawals are Unsustainable in Some Areas
Groundwater
Groundwater - water under ground - like aquifers Can drop a well if there’s one under your house - it is legal!