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Biosphere
It means life, this includes all living things.
Atmosphere
It’s air and includes all gases that surround the earth.
Geosphere
Means ground and includes all processes that shape the planet.
Hydrosphere
It means water and includes water in all its forms.
Renewable
Resources that can be renewed in our lifetime.
Non-renewable
Resources that can’t be renewed naturally in our lifetime.
Desalination
The removing of salt from water
Physical water scarcity
Some regions simply don’t have much water
Economic water scarcity
Some regions have plenty of water but can’t access it.
Water resource secure
Some regions have plenty of water and can easily access it.
Aquifer
An underground water-bearing rock.
Irrigation
The process where by farmers use technology and water facilities to help crop growth
Fossil water
Ancient water that is found underground near fossils.
Why are soils important?
It’s the basis for plant growth, supports animal biodiversity and reduces pollution.
Decomposition
Releasing nutrients locked up in plant matter.
Weathering
Releasing minerals locked up in rocks.
What is soil made up of?
Made of both dead and alive organisms.
Litter layer
Top layer, contains freshly fallen leaves and dead grass
O horizon
Organic layer which is riched in partly decomposed vegetative matter called humus.
A horizon
Topsoil, 3rd layer. Contains mixtures of organic and highly weathered rock mineral material.
B horizon
Subsoil, 4th layer. Contains main part-weathered rock material and organic material leeched down from the rich topsoil.
C horizon
5 layer, highly rocky a component with large chunks of un-weathered parent-rock material.
Parent material
Slide, un-weathered rock.
Soil degradation
The deterioration in the quality and health of the soil.
Main causes of soil degradation
Over-population, cultivation, gulley erosion and wind erosion.
What is the Ogallala aquifer?
It’s the largest aquifer in North America, and provides the most amount of water than any other aquifer.
Why is the Ogallala aquifer running dry?
There is a lack of precipitation and so farmers are drawing more water from it, draining it.
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