Water Resources - Global Environmental Challenges

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to water resources and global environmental challenges.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Glacier Mass Loss

The loss of glacial ice mass, which has significant implications for sea-level rise and freshwater resources.

Virtual Water

The volume of freshwater used to produce a product, measured at the place where the product was created.

Groundwater Recharge

The process by which water from precipitation and other sources percolates through the soil to replenish aquifers.

Surface Water

Water that collects on the surface of the ground, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.

Physical Water Scarcity

A situation where natural water resources are unable to meet the needs of a population.

Economic Water Scarcity

A lack of investment in water infrastructure, leading to limited access to clean water even when water is available.

Freshwater Ecosystem

Aquatic systems where the water has low concentrations of salt, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Water Quality

The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, often used to assess its suitability for a particular purpose.