A
Identify 2 types of renewable resources
Solar energy, water, air, waves etc.
Define spatial distribution
The arrangement of a particular occurrence across the Earth's surface.
What is the water cycle
The water cycle is a closed and continuous cycle in which water circulates and changes its state (solid, liquid, gas) as well as it’s location.
True or False?
Water scarcity affects every continent
TRUE!
Which parts of Australia receive the most rainfall?
Coastal areas
An underground layer of "permeable" rock or sand (like a giant sponge) that holds and moves groundwater
Aquifer
What is a reservoir ?
(note this does not mean give an example, explain what it is)
A storage location for water (such as an ocean, dam, glacier, pond)
True or False:
The earth has been recycling the same water for over four billion years
TRUE!
Define water scarcity
When demand for water exceeds the amount available
An area of land where all the water that falls as rain flows into a common outlet, like a river, lake, or ocean
Catchment (Drainage Basin)
Fill in the blanks:
____% of earths water is saline
____% of earths water is _____
However only ____% is available for human use
97% of earths water is saline
3% of earths water is fresh water
However only 1% is available for human use
What is vital to replenishing bodies of water? You must give both names in your answer
Precipitation (rain)
Describe the process of condensation?
As water vapour rises it cools off and the gas changes back to liquid/solid (water droplets/ice crystals if cold enough) - this moisture is crucial to formation of clouds.
Identify two reasons for water scarcity
Rapid population growth
Urbanisation
Increase in water use
Climate Change (lack of rain, droughts etc.)
Identify 2 of Australia's major types of natural water resources
Groundwater, Rivers and Lakes
Give three examples of human activities that can negatively impact natural resources and identify a negative impact of each activity e.g.
* Identify activity 1
= Identify a specific impact
Chemical dumping – making water undrinkable, impacting aquatic ecosystems
Overfishing – reducing ability of species to reproduce at a rate to sustain the population
Mining resources e.g. minerals such as Uranium, destroying landscapes, using fossil fuels which are releasing huge amounts of C02 back into the atmosphere
Logging, agriculture and nomadic herding - destruction of landscapes/animal habitats/reducing species etc.
Briefly describe at least three different human uses of water
Producing Energy e.g. electricity
Agriculture (farming)
Public use
Domestic Use
Industry/Manufacturing
Identify and briefly describe three process which occur within the water cycle
Evaporation: As water heats through the sun, it changes form from liquid to a gas (only fresh water)
Transpiration: Water evaporates from organic materials and vapour enters the atmosphere as gas.
Condensation: Gas changes back to liquid – turns into clouds.
Precipitation: RAIN! HAIL! SNOW!
Infiltration: Water fills cavities in the soil but continues to move through the soil – includes run off.
Percolation: Groundwater – water moves into the soil below the earths surface
Explain the difference between physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity
Physical water scarcity: When there is not enough water to meet demands on the planet e.g. humans, animals, ecosystems.
Economic water scarcity:When there is not enough financial investment in the infrastructure needed to store and transport water to where it is needed.
What is the name of Australia's largest aquifer?
Great Artesian Basin
Identify at least 4 of earths 7 main sources of water (all types of water!)
1.Groundwater: Found below the Earth’s surface, water travels through the grains of soil and rock through aquifers.
2.Soil Moisture: Precipitation that is stored in soil and does not become groundwater or run off.
3.Surface water: fresh water found in lakes, rivers and groundwater stores.
4.Waste water: Water used to dilute pollutants (e.g. in production) - becomes waste
5.Salt water: Saline water e.g. oceans/seas
6.Ice: Frozen water e.g. glaciers or ice caps
7.Water vapour: Gas state of water created mostly by evaporation of water. Invisible however vital part of the water cycle – creates clouds & rain.
Identify three different factors which impact the spatial distribution of freshwater resources found across the continents
Population density
The different uses/amounts of water used by humans.
Spatial differences – The different environmental conditions e.g. humidity, temperature, aridity e.g. in China the North is dry whilst the South is humid.
Temporal differences: Amount of rain – e.g. in India most of the renewable freshwater is generated during the monsoon period in which 70-95% of the countries annual precipitation occurs.
The location of major reservoirs e.g. the Amazon River, the Nile River etc.
What is Transpiration
Process in the cycle when the sun warms plants and they release water vapour into the air.
Briefly describe two potential problems associated with the changing availability of freshwater resources globally
Conflict between countries sharing freshwater resources
Need for new sustainable technology (e.g. desalination a start but not the best) there are 44 land locked countries in the world
Climate changes - some countries rely heavily on rain e.g. India and monsoon period
Population pressures & increasing uses of water
Define a drainage basin and give an example of a major one found in New South Wales, Australia
An area of land which contributes water to a river and its tributaries
Examples:
-Murray Darling
-Great Artesian
-Snowy River
-Lower Darling