Pres. 3

Question 1

What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by water?

Answer 1

About 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water.

Question 2

What percentage of Earth’s water is ocean water?

Answer 2

97% of the water is ocean water.

Question 3

What percentage of available freshwater is in polar ice caps and glaciers?

Answer 3

68.7% of the freshwater available is in polar ice caps and glaciers.

Question 4

What percentage of available freshwater is in groundwater?

Answer 4

30.1% of the freshwater available is in groundwater.

Question 5

What percentage of available freshwater is surface water?

Answer 5

0.3% of the freshwater available is surface water.

Question 6

What is the ratio of saltwater to freshwater on Earth?

Answer 6

Saltwater dominates Earth’s supply at 97.5%, while freshwater makes up 2.5%.

Question 7

What are the main ways humans impact the water cycle?

Answer 7

Withdrawals for domestic use, irrigation, and industry.

Question 8

How do humans discharge pollutants into water?

Answer 8

By adding chemicals from agriculture and sewage.

Question 9

How do humans change the flow of rivers?

Answer 9

By building roads and channeling rivers underground or in concrete areas.

Question 10

What is canalizing in relation to rivers?

Answer 10

Straightening large sections of rivers in concrete channels to facilitate more rapid flow.

Question 11

What structures do humans build to alter water flow?

Answer 11

Dams, barrages, and reservoirs.

Question 12

Why do humans divert rivers?

Answer 12

To avoid flood damage and improve storage towards dams.

Question 13

What is a major issue with freshwater use?

Answer 13

Pollution from agriculture / industry

Question 14

What contributes to the overuse of freshwater?

Answer 14

Overuse of freshwater

Question 15

What is a consequence of excessive groundwater extraction?

Answer 15

Overexploitation of groundwater

Question 16

What infrastructure can impact freshwater access?

Answer 16

Creation of dams/ diversion systems

Question 17

What can lead to inefficient use of water resources?

Answer 17

Poor water management practices

Question 18

What climate-related issues affect freshwater availability?

Answer 18

Climate change - glaciers melting, droughts, floods

Question 19

What ecological area is often drained, impacting water resources?

Answer 19

Draining of wetlands

Question 20

What environmental change disrupts the water cycle?

Answer 20

Deforestation - reduces water filtration and disrupts water cycle

Question 21

What geological issue can arise from excessive water extraction?

Answer 21

Sinking of land due to over extraction of water

Question 22

What type of conflicts can arise from water resources?

Answer 22

Conflicts with shared water resources

Question 23

What are some agricultural solutions for water issues?

Answer 23

Use organic fertilizers, apply at appropriate times, and create buffer zones close to water.

Question 24

What industrial solution can help with water issues?

Answer 24

Wastewater treatment from industries.

Question 25

What are some ways to reduce water usage at home?

Answer 25

Fix leaks, reduce water use by turning off taps and taking shorter showers, and use grey-water.

Question 26

How can rainwater be utilized?

Answer 26

Collecting rainwater.

Question 27

What methods can reduce human activities that cause water diversion?

Answer 27

Use rainwater collection and desalination.

Question 28

What strategies can help reduce overall water usage?

Answer 28

Implement drip irrigation, use recycled water in industries, and establish water pricing, meters, and quotas.

Question 29

What is a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer 29

Reduce GHG emissions.

Question 30

How can wetlands contribute to water solutions?

Answer 30

Restoring wetlands.

Question 31

What is the role of reforestation in water management?

Answer 31

Reforestation/afforestation.

Question 32

How can groundwater consumption be reduced?

Answer 32

Reduce water consumption from groundwater.

Question 33

What organizational strategy can help manage water resources?

Answer 33

Create a water union and implement international/national legislations for sharing water resources.