SEA AND CURRENTS
What are the five oceans?
Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Arctic and Southern ocean.
What is the main source of water for rivers?
Rainwater, groundwater, and melting snow and ice.
What percentage of freshwater is available for human use? (+-15%)
About 15%.
What are two common causes of water pollution?
Industrial waste and agricultural runoff.
What is a karst landscape?
A landscape formed from dissolved rocks.
What phenomenon causes the rise and fall of sea levels?
Tides, caused by gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun.
Name a natural feature formed by the movement of glaciers.
Lakes, specifically glacial lakes.
Where does tap water typically come from?
Lakes, rivers, reservoirs.
What is one impact of plastic pollution on wildlife?
What is one impact of plastic pollution on wildlife?
How can karst formations affect groundwater systems?
They create unique habitats and can lead to sinkholes.
Which current brings warm water to Western Europe’s coasts?
The Gulf Stream.
What are the two main types of lakes?
Freshwater lakes and saltwater lakes.
What are two modern methods of irrigation that save water?
Sprinkler systems and drip irrigation.
Name one solution to reduce water pollution.
Reduce, reuse, recycle (RRR).
What causes floods in urban areas?
Heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and rapid snowmelt.
What is the average depth of the oceans?
3600m.
What is the biggest lake in the world?
Caspian Sea.
What is the primary use of water in agriculture?
Irrigation and livestock.
What are algal blooms and what causes them?
Excess nutrients in water lead to rapid algae growth.
Name a famous karst feature.
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
What are ocean currents primarily driven by? (3)
Wind, water density, and Earth’s rotation.
What impact does urban development have on rivers?
It can lead to flooding and increased runoff.
How much of the world’s water supply is used for domestic purposes? (+-15%)
About 10%.
What percentage of the world had access to safe water by 2022? (+-15%)
72%.
Why do we care about monitoring changes in water levels and quality?
To protect ecosystems and ensure safe drinking water.