Despite water making up only 0.02% of the Earth's mass, it is essential for life. The physical factors that control the global water supply are climate, river systems, geology, and seasonality. Climate and seasonal precipitation patterns lead to imbalances in water availability and use. Fresh water supply is also finite each year, making it a limited resource.

1. CONTESTED PLANET UNIT 3
Topic 2: Water Conflicts

2. Physical factors that control
water supply

3. Why is water such an issue?

4. Despite its importance, water only makes up 0.02% of Earth’s mass
This is all the world’s
water gathered into
one sphere – a
surprisingly small
amount.
Video here – from 4.24

7. Hydrological System(p33)
• Inputs, stores, flows and outputs.

8. What are the Physical Factors
controlling water supply? (p34)
• Physical factors effecting the Hydrological
Cycle
1. Climate
2. River systems
3. Geology

9. 4. Seasonality
• Precipitation patterns vary throughout the year. For
example Vancouver receives much of its rainfall
between October and March with less in the
summer.
• Plants use water most in the spring
(evapotranspiration) and this leads to an unbalanced
supply and use of water.
• Globally the same imbalance can occur causing areas
to be particularly dry in their summer and wet in
their winter.

10. Fresh water supply is finite
• Finite resource of water, limited amount each
year.
• Video here