Distribution of Water resources

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Know about the sources types of water resources and uses of water resources. Learn about the Distribution of Water resources

Water is an essential component of all living things. Nearly 80% of the earth’s surface is covered in water – both in ocean and inland water. Nearly 97 % of the water is contained in the five oceans; only less than 3% of water is freshwater. Most of the freshwater is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Only less than 0.7% is available for human use.

Types of Freshwater resources

Freshwater resources broadly classified into two types

Surface water is further classified into (a) Standing water: Lake, Pond, Dam and (b) Flowing water: River, Stream (c) Underground water.

Surface water

The water which is coming out directly through the rainfall or precipitation is Surface-water.  It does not percolate into the ground. It does not revert to the atmosphere by evaporation.

Standing water bodies

Ponds and Lakes: Ponds are shallow while the lakes are generally deep.

Reservoirs: These are generally larger than lakes.

Estuaries: These are deltas formed at the mouth of rivers joining the sea. So, there is a mixing of freshwater and saltwater.

Flowing water bodies

Here, the water originates from the point of precipitation, flows in streams and rivers. The flowing water carries sedimentary materials. The flowing water has more dissolved oxygen content.

Underground water

Usage of Groundwater constitutes about 10% of the total freshwater resource—the groundwater contained in Aquifers. An Aquifer is a highly permeable layer of sediment or rock containing water. Layers of sand gravels are suitable aquifers while the clay and rocks have reduced permeability of water. Hence they are not suitable aquifers.

There are two types of Aquifers:

Unconfined aquifer: It is formed when water collects over a less permeable rock or clay, close to the surface.

Confined aquifer: It is formed when water collects over an impermeable rock, deep below the surface.

Distribution of Water resources
Distribution of Water resources

Uses of Water

The uses of water are broadly classified into two categories

Consumptive use: Water wholly utilized and not reused. E.g. Domestic use, Industry, Irrigation.

Non-consumptive use: Water not utilized and reused. E.g. Hydroelectric power generation.

Other uses

Water is mainly used for domestic purposes like drinking, cooking, bathing, washing.

Water is used for commercial purposes in hotels, malls, schools, colleges, offices.

Almost 60% to 70% of the freshwater is used for irrigation.

Water plays an essential role in shaping the earth’s surface, moderating climate and reducing pollutants.

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Overgrazing and Agriculture

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Learn about the causes impacts of overgrazing and agriculture

Over-grazing

It is a process of eating away the forest vegetation without giving it a chance to regenerate.

Overgrazing and Agriculture
Overgrazing and Agriculture

Impacts of over-grazing

Land degradation:  It removes the cover of vegetation over the soil. It leads to organically poor, dry, and compacted soil that cannot be used for further cultivation.

Soil erosion: Due to overgrazing by cattle, the covering of vegetation gets removed from the soil. The roots of the grass are suitable binders of the soil. When the grasses are grazed by livestock, the soil becomes loose and gets eroded by the action of wind and rainfall.

Loss of useful species: When the livestock grazes heavily, the secondary species will appear in their place, which is less nutritive. Some livestock keeps on overgrazing these species also.

Agriculture

It is an art, science, and industry of managing the growth of plants and animals for human use. It includes cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting crops, breeding and raising livestock, dairying, and forestry.

Types of Agriculture

Traditional agriculture

Modern or Industrialized agriculture

Traditional agriculture and its impacts

It involves a small plot, simple tools, surface water, organic fertilizers, and a mix of crops

Impacts

Deforestation: Cutting and smouldering of trees in forests to clear the land for cultivation results in damage of forestry cover.

Soil erosion: Clearing of forestry cover exposes the soil to wind and rainfall, resulting in loss of top fertile soil layer.

Loss of nutrients: During cutting and smouldering of trees, organic matter in the soil gets ruined, and the majority of the nutrients are taken up by the harvests within a brief period. Thus, the soil becomes deprived of nutrients, which makes the formers shift to another area.

 Modern agriculture and its impacts

It makes use of hybrid seeds of a particular crop variety, advanced equipment, lots of fertilizers and pesticides to produce a large number of single crops.

Impacts

Problems in using fertilizers

Micronutrient imbalance: Most of the biochemical fertilizers used in current agriculture contains N, P and K as macronutrients. When the use of excess fertilizers contains macronutrients, it causes micronutrient imbalance. EX-Deficiency of zinc affects productivity.

Nitrate pollution: When the nitrate concentration in the groundwater exceeds 25mg/L, it causes a severe health problem called Blue baby syndrome. It affects infants and leads even to death.

Eutrophication: A large quantity of N and P fertilizers in croplands, is washed off by runoff water and reaches in local water bodies such as lakes and ponds causing over nourishment. It is called Eutrophication. Due to Eutrophication, algae blooms having lesser lifetime proliferate in lakes and ponds. These algal species die quickly and pollute the water, which in turn affects the aquatic life of local water bodies.

Problems in using pesticides

In order to improve crop yield, many pesticides are used in modern agriculture. They produce several side-effects

Types of pesticides

First-generation pesticides, (Sulphur, Arsenic, Lead and Mercury) and Second generation pesticides (DDT – Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane)

Impacts

Death of non-target organisms: Many pesticides not only kill the target species but also kill several non-target spices which are useful to the soil.

Producing new pests: Some pests usually survive even after spraying of pesticide, producing highly resistant generation species. They are called super pests.

Bio-magnification: Many of the pesticides are not decomposable and keep on concentrating on the food chain. This process is called bio-magnification. These pesticides in a bio-magnified form are harmful to human beings.

Risk of cancer: Pesticides enhance the risks of cancer in two ways

It directly acts as a carcinogen.

It indirectly suppresses the immune system.

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Overexploitation of Forests

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Due to overpopulation, the materials abounding by the forest are not sufficient to meet the people’s demands. Hence, the overexploitation of forest materials has increased day by day. This leads to deforestation.

Deforestation:

The conversion of forested areas to non-forest is deforestation. Deforestation is the process of removal of forest resources due to natural or human activities. Agricultural land, golf courses, cattle pasture, mining, and petroleum exploration all contribute to human-caused deforestation. Tsunamis, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, glaciations, and desertification are all-natural deforestation. Deforestation is a formidable threat to the quality of life, the country’s economy, and future development. Deforestation leads to desertification.

Overexploitation of Forests
Overexploitation of Forests

Causes for Deforestation: The leading causes of deforestation are as follows.

Shifting or Jhum cultivation: It is a traditional agroforestry system extensively practised in the northeastern region of our country. It involves chopping and burning forests followed by the cultivation of crops for a few years and abandoning reforestation.

Loss of species diversity: Many of the species are susceptible to even small disturbances or changes. The plants get affected, and also the animals which depend on these plants for food for survival become extinct sooner.

Loss of Medicinal value: Deforestation leads to the loss of medicinal extracts from plants and animals. Hence people have a high chance of diseases that cannot be cured easily.

Tribal life: Deforestation threatens the life of tribal people whose culture and survival depend upon the forests.

Increased Soil erosion: Deforestation causes increased soil erosion, which leads to landslides, flash floods and faster run-off of rainwater.

Food problems: As a result of soil erosion, countries lose food grain.

Affects rainfall: The pattern of rainfall get changed in deforested areas. The climate has become warmer due to the lack of humidity in the deforested regions.

Increases Environmental pollution: Deforestation leads to an increase in environmental pollution like air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution.

Affects Tourism: Loss of future markets for ecotourism.

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Forest Resources

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Know in detail about the forest resources and their types in this quick 2 mins read

India’s Forest Cover is 21% of the geographic area. Scientists assess that India should ideally have 33% of its land under forests. Today we have about 12% shortage of requirement. Thus, we need not only to safeguard our existing forests but also to increase our forest cover.

Types of forests

These are classified into three major types.

Evergreen forest: They are found in the equatorial regions where the annual average rainfall is exceedingly high. Due to heavy rainfall throughout the year, these forests are evergreen. Ex: Silent valley in Kerala. Trees: Teak, Mahogany, Rosewood

Deciduous forest: These forests are generally found in the tropical monsoon. Trees: Pillaimaruthu, sandalwood. These forests are of two types.

  1. Tropical deciduous forest: As these forests receive only seasonal rainfall, they shed their leaves in the summer monsoon.
  2. Temperature deciduous forest: Due to severe winter with heavy snowfall, the trees shed their leaves just before the winter season.

Coniferous forest: The snow slides down the sloping sides of the trees. The needle-type leaves preserve the moisture. Trees: Pine tree, spruce tree.

Forest Resources
Forest Resources

Uses of Forests

Forests have the following functions and show ecological significances.

  1. Commercial uses: Man depends heavily on a more significant number of plant and animal products from forests for his daily needs.The principal product that forests supply is wood, which is used as fuel, a raw material for numerous industries as pulp, paper, newsprint, board, timber for furniture items, other uses as in packing articles, matches, sports goods. Forests also supply minor products like rubber, fibres.Many of the plants are utilized in formulating medicines and drugs.
  2. Ecological uses:

Production of Oxygen: During photosynthesis, trees produce oxygen which is vital for life on earth.

Absorption of Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the forests as a raw material for photosynthesis. Thus, forest acts as a sink for carbon dioxide, thereby reducing the problem of global warming.

Wildlife habitat: Forests are the dwellings of millions of wild animals and plants. About 7 million types are found in the tropical forests alone.

Regulation of hydrological Cycle: Forest watersheds act like giant sponges, absorbing the rainfall, slowing down the runoff—absorption of solar heat during evaporation and transpiration, maintaining climatic conditions. Forests bring rainfall.

Soil Conservation: Forests bind the soil particles firmly in their roots and prevent soil erosion. They also act as windbreakers.

Pollution moderators: Forests can absorb many lethal gases and can help in keeping the air pure and in preventing noise pollution.

  • Aesthetic value: Forests have aesthetic value. It serves as a Gene Reserve of many species. Tribal use bamboo, grass for making huts, mats, cots, baskets for their living. Tribal use fruits, leaves, seeds, roots for food. Aromatic oils, medicines are obtained from made from forest plants.
  • Recreational Use: Forests attract tourists in many countries. Environmentally friendly eco-tourism provides income to the people.

Problems

Overexploitation: It is due to the increase in population, there is an increase in materials supplied by Forest resources, leading to overexploitation.

Deforestation:  Deforestation means the removal of forest resources. Deforestation means the destruction of forests

Deforestation Image. Thanks https://www.arcgis.com/

Construction of Dam: Dams are built across a river to store water. These dams are responsible for the destruction of vast forest resources and displacement of local people.

Mining: Mining is the process of extracting mineral resources and fossil fuels. Because of mining, forest resources are destroyed.

Effects

  1. A threat to life: Countless plants and animal species are endangered.
  2. Global warming: Cutting of trees increases Carbon dioxide. Hence there is depletion of the ozone layer leading to Global warming.
  3. Decrease in rainfall: Deforestation affects the regional and global climate change, affects the rainfall pattern.
  4. Soil erosion:  Deforestation leads to increased soil erosion and decrease in soil fertility.
  5. Flood and Landslides: Due to soil erosion, flash floods and landslides happen in hilly areas.
  6. Increased pollution: As trees are cut, the pollution level increases.
  7. Submerge of forests: Construction of the dam leads to submerge of forests.
  8. Displacement of people: Developmental projects like industries, dam, and mining, affects not only the Forests but also the tribal people living in that region.

Conservation

Forest management and conservation are based on Protection, Restoration and Afforestation.

Protection: Trees should not be cut unnecessarily. Strict laws are made by the Government and people should co-operate.

Restoration: When a tree is cut for roadways, it must be replaced by a new tree nearby.

Afforestation: Afforestation means the creation of new forest region in a barren land. Areas unfit for agriculture can be planted to create new forest cover. Trees can be planted along roads, railway tracks, playgrounds.

Use of wood for cooking should be discouraged. Alternative sources like biogas, natural gas can be used.

Nibbling of cattle in the forests should be discouraged.

Three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle should be implemented.

Forest Resource
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Need for public participation in Environmental protection

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Easy read on Need for public participation in Environmental protection in 2021

Scope of environmental studies

Environmental factors greatly influence every organism and its activities. The significant areas playing a vital role of importance in the environment are natural resources, ecosystems, biodiversity and its conservation, environmental pollution, social concerns and environment human population and environment. Thus, the scope of environmental studies remarkably covers some aspects of every major discipline. The main scope of environmental studies include

1.       To get awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related problems.

2.       To motivate active participation in environmental protection and improvement.

3.       To develop skills for categorising and solving environmental glitches.

4.       To know the necessity of conservation of resources.

5.       To evaluate environmental programmes in terms of social, economic, and ecological factors.

Need for public participation in Environmental protection
Need for public participation in Environmental protection

Importance of environmental education

The main problem of the environment is – natural resources are limited and not uniformly distributed throughout the world. If we use them more and more, the earth’s resources would be reduced completely. The following factors are considered as of the importance of environmental education.

1.       People understand the concept of the need for development without destruction of the environment.

2.       People gain knowledge of types of environment and the effects of environmental hazards.

3.       People know about their role in protecting the environment by demanding laws and systems.

4.       Environmental studies have a direct relation to the quality of life.

5.       Environmental studies develop concern and respect for the environment.

Need for public awareness

In the year 1992 at Rio de Janerio, The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was organised, followed by the Conference on Sustainable Development in 2002 (World Summit) have highlighted critical issues of global environmental concern, as follows,

1. Environmental pollution cannot be eliminated by laws alone.

2. The proper application and especially public participation are essential aspects.

3. The public contribution is possible only when the public is aware of the ecological and environmental issues.

4. A drive by the government to ban the littering of polythene cannot be fruitful until the people understand the environmental implications of the same.

5. The public has to be educated about the fact that if we are degrading our environment, we are harming ourselves.       

As the earth’s natural resources are rapidly decreasing and our environment is being increasingly tainted by human activities, it is apparent that something needs to be done. The following activities may help for environmental awareness,

1.       Join as a group to study nature

2.       Begin reading newspaper articles and search several environmental websites which tell more about our current environmental issues.

3.       Work for conserving resources by taking up the cause of environmental issues during discussions with friends and relatives.

4.       Practice and promote issues such as saving paper, saving water, reducing the use of plastic,

5.       Practising the 3Rs principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and proper waste disposal.

6.       Join local programs that support activities like saving trees in your area.

7.       Practice and promote recycling waste and buying eco-friendly products.

8.       Practice and endorse good civic sense and hygiene such as no spitting or tobacco chewing, no throwing garbage, no smoking, and no urinating in public places.

9.       Take part in proceedings organised on World Environment Day, Wildlife Week

10.     Plant tree saplings and make others know the importance of trees.

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Paris Agreement

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Here’s a Easy read on Paris Agreement in under 2 mins

Paris agreement is the first universal legal agreement The Paris agreement for its first time brings all nations to undertake efforts for a common cause, climate change through nationally determined contributions (NDC). Paris agreement is a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees C and pursuing efforts to limit to 1.5® C.

Paris Agreement
Image courtesy: UNFCC- Thank You Statista

On April 1 2016, the United States and China, which together represent almost 40% of global emissions issued a joint statement confirming that both countries would sign the Paris Climate Agreement. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at COP21 in Paris, France by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Paris agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. As of 2019, 196 states plus the European Union (EU) have signed 183 Nations and the EU have ratified the agreement.

The Countries purpose is to fight against Climate Change and work together to keep the temperature of the planet from rising more than 3.6 degrees F above preindustrial levels. By 2020, the goal is to keep the temperature under 2.7 degrees F. The agreement by nations was meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ad use green energy sources.

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Sustainable Environment

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Learn about Sustainable Environment in 2021. Know how to develop your company that is environmentally friendly and sustainable and the world beyond CSR.

Modernism has betrayed the environment by resource depletion and environmental degradation. Growing awareness has made us accept a new concept called “Sustainable development”.

Sustainability is not just making revenue but making the company run for years. We are entering into the period beyond a concept called “Corporate social responsibility”.  It is now mandatory to follow sustainable practices beyond CSR to ensure potential outcomes for the business. Focussing on few eco-areas can make a significant change in business practices.

Sustainable practices not only mean developing the product, generating profit but protecting people and the planet.

By doing such practices, it is possible to maintain natural resources, reduce waste, develop, and adopting renewable energy, enriching biodiversity and atmospheric stability as well as economic resources.

Sustainability can be explained in three aspects: Economic sustainability, Social sustainability, Environment sustainability. All these play their role for a business. Applying the strategies will surely impart changes.

Sustainable Environment
Sustainable Environment
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