Environmental Management

Chapter 1 The Hydrosphere

Global Freshwater stores

infiltration

interception Groundwater flow

The water cycle

Evaporation when water droplets get converted to water vapor due to heat, in the atmosphere. Condensation when water vapor is cooled down. Precipitation cooling of water vapor and reaching back to the surface. Surface run-off Water that flows from the ground to some water body.

(Contd)
Transpiration when water is lost by plants and trees. Evapo-transpiration the total water lost by land and plants. Groundwater flow when the remainder water runs sideways off the ground. Infiltration when remaining water seeps downwards into the ground. Interception precipitation prevented to directly fall on the ground by trees and plants.

Climate

Soil

Natural Vegetation

An ecosystem

Animals

Rising world population

Improved standards of living

More irrigation water used for food production

More water used at homes

Increase demand for fresh water

Increasing demand for water

Water use per person

Ads and Disads of Dams

Water supplies are assured throughout the whole country/region. More farmland can be reclaimed Helpful for water-poor countries HEP from dams provides electricity People are forced to move from land about to be flooded New farmland is usually not of good quality Ecosystems destroyed Animal habitats lost

Cities are more wealthy places with factories and offices

On average, peoples incomes are higher

Why access to safe water is higher in urban areas

Easier to put pressure on the politicians / leaders to make improvements

Water pipes are easier & cheaper to build when a lot of people live close together

Wealthy people are more likely to live in cities

Rural areas are more poorer areas.

Rural areas are poorer places Harder to put pressure on the politicians / leaders to make improvements

Why access to safe water is lower in rural areas

Water pipes are harder and expensive to build when a lot of people live far away

Wealthy people are more likely to live in cities

40% evapotranspiration

100% precipitation

10% run-off 50% groundwater

25% evapotranspiration

100% precipitation

45% run-off

30% groundwater

Effects of a major flood Immediate Loss of human life Houses destroyed factories and work places flooded out livestock carried away Crops ruined road and rail bridges washed away communications disrupted Short-term people in need of medical treatment for injuries homeless people people suffering from water-related diseases shortage of safe drinking water food shortages problems of moving Long-term repair and build new houses replace bridges, roads and railway lines

Effects of a drought
Decrease in tree growth Reduced crop yields Reduced stream flows Reduced water supply Dry conditions in some biomes Conflict between farmers and urban dwellers