Natural Resources: Water, Flood, Drought, and Conflicts PDF

Continuation on NATURAL RESOURCES  OVER-UTILIZATION OF WATER SURFACE AND GROUND WATER The rapid increase in population and industrial growth has significantly increased the demand for water resources. Both surface water and groundwater are being overexpl...

Continuation on NATURAL RESOURCES  OVER-UTILIZATION OF WATER SURFACE AND GROUND WATER The rapid increase in population and industrial growth has significantly increased the demand for water resources. Both surface water and groundwater are being overexploited to meet the needs of agriculture, domestic consumption, and industrial processes.  EFFECTS ON OVER-UTILIZATION OF WATER (OR) CONSEQUENCES OF OVERDRAWING OF GROUND WATER Groundwater Depletion Land Subsidence (Ground Sinking) Water Shortages. Poor Water Quality Harm to Nature and Animals Important Uses of Water: Industrial Use – Water is used for manufacturing, cooling, and processing in industries. Domestic Use – Essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation. Energy Production – Water is used in hydropower plants to generate electricity. Agriculture – Water is crucial for irrigation and livestock care. Transportation – Rivers and lakes serve as natural routes for water- based transportation. FLOOD A flood is when water covers land that is usually dry, often because of heavy rain or rivers overflowing. It can damage homes, roads, and farms. Floods can also cause people to lose their lives or force them to leave their homes. They can hurt animals and plants, making it hard to recover after.  CAUSES OF FLOODS 1. Heavy Rainfall – When it rains too much in a short period, the ground can’t absorb all the water, leading to flooding. 2. Overflowing Rivers – Rivers can flood when they get too full from continuous rainfall or melting snow, spilling water onto nearby land. 3. Dam Failure – If a dam breaks or fails, a large amount of water is suddenly released, causing flooding downstream. 4. Urbanization – Cities with lots of buildings and roads prevent water from soaking into the ground, increasing the risk of floods. 5. Snowmelt – When snow melts quickly in the spring, it can cause rivers and streams to overflow, leading to floods.  EFFECTS OF FLOODS 1. Destruction of Property – Floodwaters can damage or destroy homes, roads, and infrastructure. 2. Loss of Life – Floods can lead to drowning and other fatalities. 3. Soil Erosion – Floods wash away topsoil, which can harm agriculture and affect the land. 4. Contamination of Water – Floods can spread pollutants, sewage, and toxins, making water unsafe to drink. 5. Economic Loss – Damage to businesses, crops, and infrastructure results in financial losses.  FLOOD MANAGEMENT 1. Early Warnings – Using technology to predict floods and warn people ahead of time so they can prepare. 2. Flood Barriers – Building walls or levees to stop water from entering homes and cities. 3. Better Drainage – Improving the drainage systems in cities to quickly move water away and prevent flooding. 4. Planning Land Use – Avoiding building homes or factories in areas that are likely to flood. 5. Flood Safety Education – Teaching people how to stay safe and what to do if a flood happens.  A drought is a period of time when there D is not enough rain. This lack of water R causes rivers, lakes, and even O underground water to dry up. Without enough water, crops can’t grow, animals U may not have enough to drink, and people G face water shortages. Droughts can last H for weeks, months, or even years, leading to serious problems for both nature and T human  TYPES OF DROUGHT 1. METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT Occurs when there is less rainfall than usual for a certain period of time. It is based on the difference between expected and actual rainfall. 2. AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT Happens when there isn’t enough water for crops to grow. This affects food production and farmers' ability to grow crops. 3. HYDROLOGICAL DROUGHT Occurs when there is a shortage of surface water like rivers, lakes, or groundwater. This affects water supply for people, animals, and industries. 4. SOCIOECONOMIC DROUGHT Happens when water shortages affect the economy, leading to problems like food price increases or lack of water for industries.  CAUSES OF DROUGHT 1. Lack of Rainfall 2. High Temperatures 3. Climate Change 4. Deforestation 5. Overuse of Water  EFFECTS OF DROUGHT 1. Water Shortage – Lakes, rivers, and wells dry up, making it hard for people, animals, and plants to get enough water. 2. Crop Failure – Without enough water, crops die, leading to food shortages and higher prices. 3. Loss of Animals and Wildlife – Animals struggle to find water and food, which can lead to their death or migration. 4. Economic Problems – Farmers lose income, food prices go up, and businesses that depend on water may suffer. 5. Health Issues – Lack of clean water can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and the spread of diseases.  DROUGHT MANAGEMENT EFFICIENT WATER RAINWATER PLANTING FARMING CONSERVATION HARVESTING MORE TREES METHODS Use water carefully Collect and store Trees help keep Use drip irrigation by fixing leaks, rainwater for later moisture in the soil and drought-resistant recycling water, and use in farming, and improve rainfall crops to save water reducing wastage in drinking, and other patterns. and grow food even homes and farms. needs. in dry conditions. CONFLICTS OVER WATER Water conflict happens when two or more groups fight over the use, control, or access to water. This can occur between countries, states, or local communities when water is scarce or unevenly distributed.  CAUSES OF WATER CONFLICTS A water conflict happens when two or more groups, such as countries, states, or communities, fight over the use, control, or access to water. This usually occurs when water is scarce, polluted, or unevenly shared. Disputes can arise between different users, such as farmers, industries, and cities, leading to tensions or even legal battles.  CAUSES OF WATER CONFLICTS 1. Water Scarcity When there isn't enough water to meet the needs of everyone, it can lead to disagreements between countries, states, or communities. 2. Unequal Distribution of Water Water resources are often not equally distributed, leading to conflicts over who gets access to more water. 3. Overuse of Water When people, industries, or agriculture use more water than is sustainable, it can lead to water shortages and conflicts. 4. Pollution of Water When water sources become polluted, it reduces the amount of clean water available, causing disputes over water quality. 5. Climate Change Changing weather patterns can reduce water supply, causing more frequent droughts and increased competition for water.  MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICTS OVER WATER 1. International Agreements Countries that share water sources can create treaties to agree on fair use and protect water resources, like the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan. 2. Water Sharing Plans Regions or communities can develop water-sharing agreements to ensure everyone gets a fair share, especially in areas with limited water. 3. Water Conservation and Efficiency Encouraging the efficient use of water through modern irrigation, reducing waste, and promoting conservation can reduce competition. 4. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Governments or organizations can set up peaceful negotiation methods or third-party mediation to help resolve disputes without violence. 5. Public Awareness and Education Educating the public about water conservation and the importance of sustainable use can reduce water misuse and prevent conflicts. BIG DAMS BENEFITS AND PROBLEMS A dam is a large, human-made structure built across a river or stream to block or control the flow of water. Dams are used for various purposes such as water storage, flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and even recreational activities. BENEFITS OF 1. Water Storage: Dams store large amounts of water for use in irrigation, drinking, and industrial BIG DAMS purposes, ensuring a reliable water supply. 2. Electricity Generation: Many dams generate hydroelectric power, providing renewable energy to surrounding areas and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 3. Flood Control: Dams regulate water flow, reducing the risk of flooding by controlling how much water is released during heavy rainfall. 4. Agricultural Development: Dams help irrigate agricultural land, enabling better crop production and supporting farmers' livelihoods. 5. Recreation and Tourism: Dams create reservoirs that attract tourists for activities like boating, fishing, and water sports, boosting local economies.  PROBLEMS OF CONSTRUCTING BIG DAMS 1. Displacement: Flooding large areas displaces communities, causing loss of homes and livelihoods. 2. Environmental Damage: Disrupts ecosystems, affecting fish migration and wildlife habitats. 3. High Costs: Expensive to build and maintain, with delayed economic benefits. 4. Sedimentation: Sediment buildup reduces water storage capacity over time. 5. Risk of Failure: Poor construction or maintenance can lead to dam failure and flooding. 6. Impact on Livelihoods: Affects agriculture, fishing, and local water availability. 7. Seismic Activity: Heavy water reservoirs can trigger earthquakes in some areas. WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Water Resource Management is the process of planning, developing, distributing, and managing the optimum use of water resources. It involves balancing the needs of various sectors, such as drinking water, agriculture, industry, and environmental conservation, to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of water for current and future generations. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT United Nations Water (UN-Water) – Coordinates global efforts on water and sanitation. World Water Council (WWC) – Promotes awareness and policies for sustainable water management. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – Supports agricultural water management and irrigation. World Health Organization (WHO) – Ensures safe drinking water and sanitation to prevent diseases.  MINERAL RESOURCES Mineral resources are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth's crust that have economic value. These include metals, non-metals, and energy resources that can be mined and processed for various uses.  TYPES OF MINERAL RESOURCES 1.Metallic Minerals 2.Non-Metallic Minerals 3.Energy Minerals Examples: Examples: Examples: Gold, Silver Limestone Coal Iron, Copper, Aluminum Clay Oil and Natural Gas Salt Uranium Food resources refer to the plants, animals, and other organisms that provide nourishment for humans. These resources are essential for survival and form the basis of agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming. EXAMPLES OF FOOD SUPPLY: 1. AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY: WHEAT, RICE, CORN, VEGETABLES 2. LIVESTOCK SUPPLY: CATTLE, POULTRY, SHEEP, GOATS 3. FISHING SUPPLY: FISH, SHRIMP, CRABS, SHELLFISH 4. AQUACULTURE SUPPLY: SALMON, TILAPIA, OYSTERS 5. WILD FOOD SUPPLY: WILD BERRIES, MUSHROOMS, GAME MEAT Hunger and Malnutrition Food Insecurity Overpopulation Unequal Distribution Food Waste Climate Change AGRICULTURE  Agriculture Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. It involves activities such as planting, cultivating, harvesting, and managing the land, as well as breeding animals for various purposes. TypeS of agriculture Traditional Agriculture: Farming based on old methods, using manual labor and natural resources, typically for local or subsistence purposes. Modern Agriculture: Farming that uses advanced technology, machinery, and chemicals to increase production and efficiency, often for commercial purposes.  PROBLEMS RELATED TO 01 PROBLEMS USING FERTILIZERS: 02 PROBLEMS USING PESTICIDES: MODERN Overuse of chemical fertilizers Pesticides can harm beneficial AGRICULTURAL can lead to soil degradation, insects, lead to resistance in pests, nutrient imbalances, and water and contaminate water and soil, PRACTICES contamination. affecting ecosystems. 03 WATER LOGGING: Over-irrigation can cause water to accumulate in the soil, leading to reduced oxygen for plant roots and harming crop growth.  ENERGY RESOURCES  ENERGY Energy refers to the ability to do work, and it exists in many forms, including mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, and nuclear energy. Energy is essential for human activities and industrial processes, powering everything from homes to transportation systems and factories. It can be derived from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Development of Energy Wood Coal Oil Alternative Energy  Renewable Non-Renewable Resources: Resources: These are resources These resources are that can be naturally limited in quantity and replenished in a short take millions of years to period of time. form. RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES: 1. Solar Energy – Used for electricity generation (solar panels), heating water, and powering homes and industries. 2. Wind Energy – Used to generate electricity through wind turbines for homes, businesses, and power grids. 3. Hydropower – Used to produce electricity in hydroelectric plants by harnessing the energy of flowing water. 4. Biomass Energy – Used for cooking, heating, and generating electricity from organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal dung. 5. Geothermal Energy – Used for heating buildings, generating electricity, and providing hot water by utilizing Earth’s internal heat. Non-Renewable Energy Resources Coal Petroleum LPG Natural Gas NUCLEAR ENERGY NUCLEAR ENERGY Can be produced by two types of reaction Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fussion  NUCLEAR NUCLEAR FISSION FUSSION It is a nuclear change in which It is a nuclear change in which lighter heavier nucleus are split into lighter nucleus are combined together at nuclei extremely high temperature LAND RESOURCES Land Resources refer to the natural land available for various uses, including agriculture, forestry, human settlements, and industrial activities. It is essential for food production, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Proper management of land resources is crucial to prevent degradation and ensure sustainable use. WARDIERE INC. IMPORTANT USES OF LAND RESOURCES: 1. Food & Raw Materials – Land provides crops, wood, and minerals for human use. 2. Habitat & Ecosystem Support – It supports plants and animals that give us food and shelter. 3. Water Storage – Land is used for watersheds and reservoirs to store and supply water. DESERTIFICATION Desertification is the process where fertile land becomes dry and barren, turning into a desert due to factors like deforestation, overgrazing, drought, and climate change. It reduces soil fertility, affects agriculture, and leads to the loss of biodiversity. Sustainable land management and reforestation can help prevent desertification. CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION: 1. Deforestation – Cutting down too many trees removes roots that hold the soil. 2. Overgrazing – Too many animals eat the plants, leaving the soil bare. 3. Farming Overuse – Growing crops too much drains nutrients from the soil. 4. Climate Change – Less rain and higher temperatures dry out the land. 5. Poor Water Use – Using too much water for farming lowers groundwater levels.  HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DESERTIFICATION 1. Land Becomes Dry – Soil loses moisture and cannot grow crops. 2. Soil Gets Blown or Washed Away – Wind and rain remove the top layer of soil. 3. Less Water – Lakes, rivers, and wells dry up. 4. Plants and Animals Disappear – They lose food and shelter. 5. People Suffer – Farmers lose their land, food becomes scarce, and many are forced to move. LANDSLIDES Landslides are the sudden movement of rocks, soil, and debris down a slope due to gravity. They are often caused by heavy rain, earthquakes, deforestation, or human activities like construction and mining. Landslides can destroy homes, roads, and farmland, leading to loss of life and property. HARMFUL EFFECTS OF LANDSLIDES: 1. Destruction of Property – Landslides can bury homes, roads, and buildings, causing significant damage. 2. Loss of Life – People living in affected areas may be trapped or injured. 3. Soil Erosion – Landslides remove soil and vegetation, leaving the land prone to further damage. 4. Disruption of Infrastructure – Transportation routes, power lines, and water supplies can be blocked or damaged. 5. Agricultural Loss – Farmland can be buried or damaged, leading to loss of crops and income. CAUSES OF LANDSLIDES 1. Heavy Rainfall – Intense rain weakens the soil and causes it to slide. 2. Earthquakes – Shaking from earthquakes can trigger the movement of rocks and soil. 3. Deforestation – Removing trees reduces the stability of the soil. 4. Mining and Construction – Human activities like digging and building can weaken the land. 5. Volcanic Activity – Eruptions can loosen soil and rocks, leading to landslides. Role of an Individual in Conserving Natural Resources: 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Cut down on waste by reusing products and recycling materials. 2. Save Water and Energy – Use less water and energy by turning off taps and lights when not in use. 3. Sustainable Consumption – Buy products that are eco-friendly and produced sustainably. 4. Plant Trees – Trees help conserve soil, water, and clean the air.