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4.1 Introduction to water system - Coggle Diagram
4.1 Introduction to water system
Importance of Water as a Resource
Water is essential for all forms of life and influences Earth's climate, ecosystems, and human societies.
Overview of the hydrological cycle (water cycle) as a closed system at the global scale.
Key components: precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, infiltration, and runoff.
Water Systems and Distribution
The distribution of freshwater and saltwater on Earth, with only about 2.5-3% as freshwater and the remaining 97% as saltwater.
Understanding surface water (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) and groundwater (aquifers).
Differences in water accessibility and quality worldwide, with unequal distribution due to geographical, climatic, and socio-economic factors.
Hydrological Cycle Processes
Inputs and outputs within the cycle: solar energy as the driver of evaporation,precipitation as an input to ecosystems, and runoff as output to oceans.
Flows: Movement between reservoirs (e.g., atmosphere, rivers, lakes, oceans).
Stores: Major water stores include glaciers, ice caps, groundwater, and bodies of surface water.
Human Impact on Water Systems
Water extraction for agriculture, industry, and domestic use; over-extraction and resulting impacts.
Effects of urbanization and land use changes on infiltration, runoff, and local water systems.
Pollution sources: point source (e.g., factories) vs. non-point source (e.g., agricultural runoff).
Water Quality and Pollution
Key water quality indicators: pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels (eutrophication risks).
Introduction to biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and indicator species (e.g., certain algae) to assess pollution levels.
The consequences of eutrophication and hypoxic zones in aquatic systems due to nutrient loading.
Water Management and Sustainability
Water scarcity and its two types: physical water scarcity (lack of water resources) and economic water scarcity (lack of infrastructure or financial capacity).
Integrated water resource management (IWRM) as an approach to sustainable water use.
Role of water conservation, technology (e.g., desalination, water recycling), and policy in ensuring sustainable water resources.