Water Sources and Their Characteristics

Water Sources

• Water comes from two main sources: ground water and surface water
• Ground water is water found beneath the earth's surface, often in aquifers
• Water seeps through soil and rock layers to reach underground reservoirs
• Borings or wells are used to access ground water
• Water from bores may not be suitable for drinking without treatment

Surface Water

• Surface water collects on the Earth's surface
• Examples include rivers, lakes, dams, reservoirs, and waterholes
• Rainwater collects to form surface water
• Surface water may not be safe for drinking due to potential contaminants
• Rainwater tanks collect surface water but may require treatment before consumption

Other Water Sources

• Waterholes and rock holes are natural features where water collects
• These provide crucial water supplies, particularly in arid regions
• Springs naturally occur where water emerges from underground aquifers
• The water flow in springs depends on factors like aquifer pressure, rainfall, and human water abstraction

River Features

• A river is a large stream of water flowing over land
• Rivers are categorized into upper, middle, and lower courses
• The Upper Course: characterized by rapid flow, erosion, and canyon/valley formation
• The Middle Course: characterized by gentler slopes, increased size, and formation of meanders and islands
• The Lower Course: characterized by slow flow, deposition of eroded material, shaping of floodplains, and formation of deltas as it flows to the sea