ENV100Y5 Chapter 11: Freshwater Systems and Water Resources
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ENV100Y5 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Water that is relatively pure, with few dissolved salts. Only 2. 5% of the water on earth. Only 1% of the 2. 5% is easily accessible to humans. Hydrosphere encompasses all the water stored in surface water bodies and glaciers, the near subsurface, and underground. Does not include water in the atmosphere. As water moves through the hydrologic cycle, it: Largest hydrologic reservoirs have the longest residence time. Water is distributed unevenly among the reservoirs as well as unevenly throughout time. This uneven time distribution is why we have irrigation systems. People are also not distributed across the globe in accordance with water availability. We spend 70% of our annual freshwater allotment on agriculture, 20% on industry, and. Water in situ is important for both people and ecosystems. Water in situ in rivers and lakes provides opportunities for transportation, boating and recreation, cultural and spiritual uses, and freshwater fishing.
