surface water. River. Lakes

The world distribution of surface water resources refers to the uneven distribution of freshwater on the Earth's surface, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. This distribution varies greatly from one region to another due to factors such as geography, climate, and human activities. Here's an explanation of the world distribution of surface water resources:

1. Lakes and Rivers:

- North America and Eurasia: These continents have some of the largest freshwater lakes, including the Great Lakes in North America and the Caspian Sea in Eurasia. Major rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Volga flow through these continents, providing significant surface water resources.

- Africa: The African continent is home to several major rivers, such as the Nile, Congo, and Niger, as well as important lakes like Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi.

- South America: The Amazon River basin in South America houses the largest river system by discharge in the world. The continent also features extensive freshwater resources in the form of rivers and lakes.

2. Asia:

- South Asia: The Indian subcontinent has the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers, along with large reservoirs like Tarbela Dam. The region heavily relies on these water sources for agriculture and drinking water.

- East Asia: China's Yangtze River and its tributaries, such as the Yellow River, provide essential surface water resources to the most populous country in the world.

- Southeast Asia: The Mekong River flows through several countries in Southeast Asia, serving as a vital waterway and water source.

3. Europe:

- Western Europe: Major rivers like the Rhine and Danube flow through Western Europe, supporting industrial and agricultural activities.

- Eastern Europe: The region has significant freshwater resources, including the Dnieper, Don, and Volga rivers.

4. Australia: While Australia is relatively arid, it has important river systems like the Murray-Darling Basin, which is crucial for agriculture and water supply.

5. Middle East:

- Tigris-Euphrates Basin: The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are essential for Iraq, but they are heavily regulated and impacted by upstream dams in Turkey.

- Nile Basin: The Nile River is a lifeline for Egypt and Sudan, but it's a source of contention among countries upstream that share its waters.

6. Arctic and Antarctic Regions: These regions have abundant surface water in the form of ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets. However, this freshwater is not readily accessible for human use.

7. Human Impact: Human activities, such as dam construction, irrigation, and pollution, can significantly alter the distribution and quality of surface water resources. These impacts can lead to both water scarcity and water quality issues.

8. Climate Change: Climate change is affecting the distribution of surface water resources through altered precipitation patterns, glacier melt, and changes in river flow.

Understanding the world distribution of surface water resources is vital for managing and conserving these essential freshwater sources. It's crucial for addressing water scarcity, supporting ecosystems, and sustaining human populations in different regions around the globe.

Comments

Groundwater – Porosity and Permeability

Groundwater refers to the water that resides beneath the Earth's surface in the pores and crevices of rock, sediment, and soil. Two key properties that influence the movement and storage of groundwater are porosity and permeability: 1. Porosity: - Definition: Porosity refers to the volume percentage of void spaces (pores or openings) in a geological material, such as soil or rock. - Role: Porosity determines how much water a subsurface material can hold. It is a measure of the material's capacity to store water. - Factors: Porosity is influenced by the size and arrangement of particles within the material. Highly porous materials have more void spaces, while less porous materials have fewer. - Units: Porosity is expressed as a percentage, with 0% indicating complete solidity (no pore spaces) and 100% indicating complete void space. 2. Permeability: - Definition: Permeability refers to the ability of a geological material to transmit fluids, such as water. It meas

Ground Water

Groundwater Terminology, Concepts, and Facts Key Terms Aquifer: A geological formation that can store and transmit significant quantities of water. Water Table: The upper surface of the saturated zone in an aquifer. Recharge: The process of replenishing groundwater through precipitation or other sources. Discharge: The process of groundwater flowing out of an aquifer, typically into surface water bodies or through wells. Hydraulic Gradient: The slope of the water table. Darcy's Law: A law that describes the flow of groundwater through porous media. Permeability: The ability of a material to transmit water. Porosity: The amount of void space in a material. Concepts Groundwater Flow: Groundwater moves from areas of higher hydraulic head to areas of lower hydraulic head. Groundwater Contamination: The introduction of pollutants into groundwater. Groundwater Depletion: The excessive extraction of groundwater, leading to a decline in water table levels. Saltwater Intrusion:

Artisan Wells Basins

Artisan Wells and Basins Artesian wells are a type of well that harnesses the natural pressure of water trapped underground to force water to the surface without pumping. This phenomenon occurs in specific geological formations known as artesian basins . Key Terminologies and Concepts Aquifer: A geological formation that can store and transmit water. It is typically made up of porous rocks or sediments like sandstone or gravel. Confined Aquifer: An aquifer that is sandwiched between two impermeable layers (like clay or shale) that prevent water from escaping. Artesian Basin: A geological structure where a confined aquifer is tilted and has a recharge area at a higher elevation than the discharge area. This creates a pressure gradient that forces water to flow upwards. Potentiometric Surface: The theoretical level to which water would rise in a well drilled into an artesian aquifer if there were no restrictions. It is determined by the pressure head in the aquifer. Flowing Artesian

Watershed. Catchment. Basin

A watershed, also known as a river basin or drainage basin, is a fundamental concept in geohydrology and hydrology. It refers to a specific geographic area or region of land where all the surface water, including rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff, drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Here's an explanation of each term: 1. Watershed: A watershed is essentially a natural hydrological unit defined by the topography of the land. It represents the entire area from which all precipitation and surface water flow eventually gathers at a single point. This point is typically where the main river or stream within the watershed exits into a larger body of water, such as an ocean. Watersheds come in various sizes, from small ones that encompass a few square miles to enormous ones that cover entire continents. 2. River/Drainage Basin: A river basin or drainage basin is another way to describe a watershed. It's the land area that collects and channels water into a river

Discrete Detectors and Scanning mirrors Across the track scanner Whisk broom scanner.

Multispectral Imaging Using Discrete Detectors and Scanning Mirrors (Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner) Multispectral Imaging: This technique involves capturing images of the Earth's surface using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. This allows for the identification of various features and materials based on their spectral signatures. Discrete Detectors: These are individual sensors that are arranged in a linear or array configuration. Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band. Scanning Mirrors: These are optical components that are used to deflect the incoming radiation onto the discrete detectors. By moving the mirrors, the sensor can scan across the scene, capturing data from different points. Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner: This refers to the scanning mechanism where the mirror moves perpendicular to the direction of flight. This allows for t

Vineesh V, Geography

Search This Blog