Freshwater Ecology and Global Water Resource Management and Global Hydrology (copy)

3-3-3 Rule of Survival

Indicates a human can survive approximately 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

Saline Water

Approximately 96.5% of Earth's total water is saline, primarily found in oceans.

Fresh Water Percentage

Only about 2.5% of total Earth water is fresh water.

Surface Fresh Water

Constitutes only about 1.2% of the total fresh water.

Accessible Surface Fresh Water

Less than 0.5% of all water on Earth is immediately accessible surface freshwater.

Residence Time

The average duration water remains in a specific reservoir.

Atmospheric Residence Time

Water molecules typically remain in the atmosphere for minutes to days.

River Residence Time

Water molecules typically remain in rivers for approximately 0.03 years.

Lake Residence Time

Water molecules typically remain in lakes for about 100 years.

Ocean Residence Time

Water molecules typically remain in oceans for around 120 years.

Groundwater Residence Time

Water molecules can remain in groundwater for 1 to 300 years.

Glacier Residence Time

Water molecules can be trapped in glaciers for about 16,000 years.

Water Wars

Legal conflicts over water rights, such as the dispute between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida regarding water usage.

Direct Value of Freshwater

Quantifiable costs associated with water supply and food production.

Indirect Value of Freshwater

Non-quantifiable values such as recreation and aesthetic enjoyment.

Habitat Value of Freshwater

Per unit area, freshwater wetlands have a higher economic value than lakes and rivers.

Primary Threats to Freshwater Systems

Habitat change, pollution, invasive species, climate change, and overexploitation.

Aquatic Insects

Research focuses significantly on aquatic insects like caddisflies, which are indicators of water quality.

Freshwater Biodiversity Hotspot

The Southern Appalachians are recognized as a region with high freshwater biodiversity.

Tennessee River

Source of tap water for public utilities on the east side, historically known for pollution.

Population of Turkmenistan

Approximately 5.8 million, with high per capita water usage of 5,300 m³ per year.