Chapter 6 AICE Environmental Management

What percentage of the Earth's water is salt water found in oceans?

97.5%

What is the percentage of freshwater available on Earth?

2.5%

What is groundwater?

Water stored underground between soil and rock particles.

What is the water table?

The uppermost portion of an aquifer where the soil is fully saturated with water.

What happens to the water table after precipitation?

It rises.

What is a confined aquifer?

An aquifer that is fully saturated with water and has impermeable rock layers above and below.

What is an artesian well?

A well that produces water under pressure from a confined aquifer.

What is an unconfined aquifer?

An aquifer that sits on top of an impermeable layer and is recharged by infiltration from above.

What are the main causes of water insecurity?

Climate change, natural disasters, pollution, inadequate sanitation, population growth, and mismanagement of irrigation.

What is soil salinization?

The accumulation of salts in the top layer of soil, reducing soil productivity.

What are the impacts of water insecurity?

Reduced crop yield, livestock death, food shortages, and illnesses from contaminated water.

What is water security?

The ability to access enough clean water to maintain adequate standards of food, sanitation, and health care.

What is one strategy for managing water insecurity?

Using sustainable water extraction and improved supply methods.

What is the Big Thompson Project?

An inter-basin transfer project in Colorado that transports water from the Rocky Mountains.

What negative impacts can inter-basin water transfer have?

Increased salinity of water and potential climate changes in ecosystems.

What are the advantages of using aquifers for water supply?

Steady supply, renewable if not over-pumped, and low extraction costs.

What are the disadvantages of over-pumping aquifers?

Depletion, contamination from saltwater intrusion, and loss of ecosystems.

What is desalination?

The process of removing salts from seawater to improve access to clean water.

What are the two methods of desalination mentioned?

Distillation and reverse osmosis.

What are some disadvantages of reverse osmosis?

High initial costs and the need for energy sources.

What are some methods to reduce water usage in agriculture?

Drip irrigation, irrigating at night, and using soil moisture monitors.

What is the purpose of rainwater catchment systems?

To collect and use rainwater for irrigation and other purposes.

What is greywater recycling?

Using treated wastewater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

How can education contribute to water management?

By promoting sustainable water use practices.

What role do international agreements play in water management?

They facilitate cooperation and ensure sustainable use of transboundary water resources.

What is one method of rationing water?

Limiting the amount of water each family can access.