Title: "Balancing Act: Water Resources, Their Uses, Overutilization, Floods, and Droughts"
Description:
In a world where water is both a precious resource and a source of potential disaster, this presentation dives deep into the critical aspects of water resources, their myriad uses, the challenges of overutilization, and the stark realities of floods and droughts that affect communities globally.
**Understanding Water Resources:**
Water is the essence of life, and access to clean, abundant water is a fundamental human right. This presentation begins by providing a comprehensive understanding of water resources, their types (surface and groundwater), and the pivotal role they play in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and daily life.
**The Many Uses of Water:**
Water is a versatile resource, serving a multitude of purposes. We explore its various uses, including drinking water supply, irrigation, energy generation through hydroelectric power, industrial processes, and recreational activities. Understanding these diverse applications underscores the importance of responsible management.
**Overutilization: Straining Our Lifeline:**
While water is abundant on Earth, its availability is finite and unequally distributed. The presentation delves into the critical issue of overutilization, where demand for water exceeds the sustainable supply. We discuss the consequences of over-extraction, including the depletion of aquifers, subsidence, and environmental degradation.
**Floods: Nature's Fury Unleashed:**
Floods, one of the most devastating natural disasters, result from a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, river overflow, storm surges, and inadequate drainage systems. We explore the causes, impacts, and management strategies for floods, emphasizing the importance of floodplain management and early warning systems.
**Droughts: When Water Becomes Scarce:**
On the opposite end of the spectrum, droughts represent extended periods of water scarcity. We discuss the causes of droughts, their effects on agriculture, ecosystems, and human populations, and the importance of drought preparedness and mitigation measures.
Water resources;their uses and overutilisation , floods and droughts
1. WATER RESOURCES
THEIR USES AND
OVERUTILIZATION ;
FLOODS AND DROUGHTS
PRESENTED BY:
ISHIKA ARORA
ARMAN KASHYAP
2. WATER RESOURCES OVERVIEW
They are vital for human survival, supporting
agriculture, industry, and daily life."
"Water Resources include Surface Water (rivers,
lakes, oceans) and Groundwater (aquifers)."
Water Resources : "Water resources encompass
all naturally occurring water on Earth.”
Significance:
Types:
[Image Source:Pinterest]
3. Surface Water:
Rivers, Lakes, and Reservoirs.
Visible and easily accessible.
Groundwater:
Stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers.
Often tapped through wells and boreholes.
Importance:
Both types are essential for various human
activities.
TYPES OF WATER RESOURCES
[Image Source: CDC]
4. USES OF WATER RESOURCES
DRINKING WATER
Primary source of
safe drinking water
for communities
AGRICULTURE
Irrigation for crop
growth, a
cornerstone of food
production.
INDUSTRY
Utilized in
manufacturing
processes, cooling,
and energy
production
DOMESTIC
Household needs
like cooking,
cleaning, and
sanitation
IMPORTANCE : Water resources underpin our daily life and economic activities.
5. OVERUTILIZATION OF
WATER
Surface Water:
Over-pumping from rivers and lakes.
Groundwater:
Excessive withdrawal from aquifers.
Consequences:
Leads to depletion, land subsidence, and saltwater
intrusion.
OVERUTILISATION: EXCESSIVE EXTRACTION OR USE OF WATER
RESOURCES
[SOURCES:[1]Research Gate
[2] USGS.gov
[1]
[2]
6. CONSEQUENCES OF OVERUTILIZATION
Depletion
Diminished water
levels in aquifers
and surface water
sources.
Land Subsidence
Sinking of land due to
excessive
groundwater
extraction.
Saltwater
Intrusion
Intrusion of saltwater
into freshwater
aquifers near
coastlines
Ecological Imapct
Disruption of
ecosystems and harm
to aquatic life.
Real-World Example : California's Central
Valley: Over-pumping of groundwater led
to land subsidence and damage to
infrastructure
Image Source : ResearchGate
7. FLOODS
CAUSES
IMAPCTS
Heavy Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rain
can lead to flash floods
Destruction of Homes, Infrastructure,
and Agriculture.
Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land.
Real-World Example : Hurricane
Katrina in 2005 caused catastrophic
flooding in New Orleans, displacing
thousands and causing extensive
damage.
Source : WashingtonPost
Source : History.com
8. DROUGHTS
CAUSES
IMAPCTS
Climate Change: Altered weather patterns
contribute to droughts.
Crop Failures, Water Shortages, and
Ecosystem Stress.
Droughts: Prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall.
Real-World Example : The California
Drought from 2012 to 2016 led to
water rationing, agricultural
losses, and a state of emergency
declaration.
Source : WashingtonPost
Source : History.com
[SOURCE : MerciSF]
10. CONCLUSION
Water resources are essential for life and the economy.
Overutilization leads to depletion and environmental damage.
Floods and droughts have severe socio-economic impacts.
Sustainable management practices are crucial for our
future.
Emphasis on Responsibility
Call to Action
KEY TAKEAWAYS :