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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus in managing water resources in relation to land precipitation?
What is the primary focus in managing water resources in relation to land precipitation?
Which of the following accurately represents a source of fresh liquid water?
Which of the following accurately represents a source of fresh liquid water?
What does the sphere representing all water over the western U.S. symbolize in terms of volume?
What does the sphere representing all water over the western U.S. symbolize in terms of volume?
In the context of the cycling of water, what is soil moisture?
In the context of the cycling of water, what is soil moisture?
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Which of the following factors contributes to runoff in water resource management?
Which of the following factors contributes to runoff in water resource management?
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What encompasses the total cycle of water resources concerning continental precipitation?
What encompasses the total cycle of water resources concerning continental precipitation?
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In terms of continental precipitation, what do the adjusted estimates from Trenberth et al. refer to?
In terms of continental precipitation, what do the adjusted estimates from Trenberth et al. refer to?
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What causes the water table to lower around a well?
What causes the water table to lower around a well?
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Which statement best describes the spheres showing available quantities of water globally?
Which statement best describes the spheres showing available quantities of water globally?
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Which feature is characterized by abundant, freely flowing groundwater impervious to movement?
Which feature is characterized by abundant, freely flowing groundwater impervious to movement?
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What is the result of groundwater depletion exceeding infiltration rates?
What is the result of groundwater depletion exceeding infiltration rates?
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What happens when the water table intersects the surface?
What happens when the water table intersects the surface?
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Which of the following describes the slow movement of water influenced by gravity through soil?
Which of the following describes the slow movement of water influenced by gravity through soil?
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Which geological layer is known for its impermeability and holds minimal water?
Which geological layer is known for its impermeability and holds minimal water?
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What typically leads to groundwater contamination?
What typically leads to groundwater contamination?
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In which environment would irrigation from pumped wells be most crucial?
In which environment would irrigation from pumped wells be most crucial?
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What percentage of the world's total freshwater supply does Canada possess?
What percentage of the world's total freshwater supply does Canada possess?
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What is Canada's average annual precipitation?
What is Canada's average annual precipitation?
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Which sector is noted for high consumption of water in Canada?
Which sector is noted for high consumption of water in Canada?
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What is Canada’s average annual renewable runoff?
What is Canada’s average annual renewable runoff?
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How much of the world's renewable runoff does Canada contribute?
How much of the world's renewable runoff does Canada contribute?
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Which of the following is an example of a sector that returns most of the water it withdraws?
Which of the following is an example of a sector that returns most of the water it withdraws?
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In terms of water resource wealth, how is Canada generally classified?
In terms of water resource wealth, how is Canada generally classified?
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What approximate value of average precipitation is considered slightly less than the global average?
What approximate value of average precipitation is considered slightly less than the global average?
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What is the maximum annual runoff measured in the southern prairies of Canada?
What is the maximum annual runoff measured in the southern prairies of Canada?
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During which months does the majority of stream flow occur in the Saskatchewan River Basins?
During which months does the majority of stream flow occur in the Saskatchewan River Basins?
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What percentage of the Great Lakes water supply is renewed annually?
What percentage of the Great Lakes water supply is renewed annually?
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How much water flow variability can occur in the described river between years?
How much water flow variability can occur in the described river between years?
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What is a primary method that humans use to control water flow?
What is a primary method that humans use to control water flow?
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What is the primary consequence of increasing water withdrawals during dry periods?
What is the primary consequence of increasing water withdrawals during dry periods?
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What statistical concept allowed water managers to assume future water conditions would be similar to those in the past?
What statistical concept allowed water managers to assume future water conditions would be similar to those in the past?
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Which factor is NOT associated with increasing variability in water resource management due to climate change?
Which factor is NOT associated with increasing variability in water resource management due to climate change?
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How can phosphorus in agricultural runoff affect aquatic ecosystems?
How can phosphorus in agricultural runoff affect aquatic ecosystems?
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What was one major health consequence linked to water pollution in the Walkerton case?
What was one major health consequence linked to water pollution in the Walkerton case?
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What impact does reduced base flow have on surface water during dry summer months?
What impact does reduced base flow have on surface water during dry summer months?
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Which of the following is an example of a non-point source of water pollution?
Which of the following is an example of a non-point source of water pollution?
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What does the increased uncertainty in water management due to climate change primarily challenge?
What does the increased uncertainty in water management due to climate change primarily challenge?
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Study Notes
Water Resource Management
- Water is a mobile resource, understanding its physical aspects is important for management
- Earth's water is unevenly distributed, the majority is saltwater in oceans
- Fresh liquid water (groundwater, lakes, swamps, and rivers) comprises a much smaller amount
- Water cycle involves continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection
- Continental precipitation is dominated by oceanic sources, with terrestrial sources playing a smaller role
- Land precipitation exceeding evaporation results in surplus water available for management
- Infiltration is the movement of rainwater into soil, temporarily held as soil moisture
- Runoff occurs when rainfall exceeds soil infiltration capacity
- Evapotranspiration encompasses evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants
- Percolation is the slow movement of water under gravity through soil and into groundwater
- The water table marks the top of the saturated zone where pore spaces are completely filled with water
- The water table is higher under hills and lower in valleys
- Lakes, ponds, and marshes form where the water table intersects the land surface
- Aquifers are underground layers containing abundant groundwater, usually porous rock like sand or sandstone
- Aquitards are relatively impermeable layers that restrict water flow, often consisting of clay or shale
- Springs form where groundwater flows freely through aquifers and reaches the surface
- Groundwater withdrawal has environmental consequences due to increased urban and industrial demands, and agricultural needs
- Water table depletion can occur when withdrawals exceed infiltration, leading to lowering of water levels and cones of depression
- Groundwater contamination is a significant environmental problem, with pollutants infiltrating the ground and reaching the water table
- Assessing Canada's water resources requires considering more than just total volume, as regional variability and ecosystem needs are crucial
- Runoff is a key indicator of renewable water resources in Canada, with 7% of worldwide renewable runoff
- Non-renewable water resources are also significant, making up 20% of the world's total freshwater supply
- Regional variability in water resources is substantial, with areas like the southern prairies experiencing low runoff compared to BC's high runoff
- Variability over time is also crucial, with seasonal fluctuations and inter-annual variability affecting water availability
- Human activities like dam construction and reservoir creation have altered water flow patterns, especially in southern Canada
- Climate change is increasing water variability, making past data less reliable for predicting future water availability
- Ecosystems are adapted to natural water variability, but human activities can disrupt this balance
- Water withdrawals can reduce base flows in rivers and streams, impacting aquatic habitats and water quality
- Reduced base flows can compromise water quality by limiting dilution of wastewater treatment plant effluent
- Water pollution can occur through point sources like sewage and industrial discharge, or non-point sources like agricultural runoff
- Phosphorous runoff from farmland can contribute to eutrophication, leading to algal blooms and reduced oxygen levels
- Industrial discharges and atmospheric deposition can introduce toxic substances like heavy metals and PCBs into water
- Water pollution can affect human health, as demonstrated by the Walkerton case, where contamination led to serious illness and fatalities
- Boiling water advisories in many First Nations communities highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe drinking water for all Canadians
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Description
Test your knowledge on water resource management, including the physical aspects of water and its cycle. Explore topics such as freshwater availability, precipitation sources, and soil moisture dynamics. This quiz will help you understand the complexities of managing this vital resource.
