Water resources - SS1 Geography Lesson Note
Water resources refer to the freshwater available on Earth that can be used for various purposes, including drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation. These resources are essential for the survival and development of human societies.
These various types of water resources are interconnected and form part of the Earth's hydrological cycle, where water evaporates from oceans and other bodies of water, forms clouds, and then falls back to the Earth's surface as precipitation.
Rivers: Rivers are flowing bodies of freshwater that originate from various sources like springs, rainfall, or melting snow. They play a crucial role in supplying water for agriculture, transportation, and are often sources of drinking water for communities.
Lakes: Lakes are natural or artificial bodies of standing freshwater surrounded by land. They serve as reservoirs and are used for fishing, recreation, and as a source of freshwater for nearby areas. Some large lakes also play a role in regulating local climates.
Dams: Dams are man-made structures built across rivers to create reservoirs for water storage. These reservoirs serve various purposes, including water supply, hydropower generation, flood control, and irrigation. Dams can have both positive and negative environmental impacts.
Seas and Oceans: While not suitable for drinking or agriculture due to their salt content, seas and oceans are vast water bodies that influence climate and weather patterns. They are also essential for shipping and provide a habitat for marine life.
Underground Water: Underground water is stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface. It's a critical source of drinking water in many regions and supports agriculture through wells and irrigation systems.
Proper management of water resources is essential to ensure a sustainable supply for future generations. This includes efforts to prevent pollution, conserve water, and address issues like over-extraction and climate change impacts on water availability.