It’s a concept that we seem to learn at an early age. It boggles the young mind that what we are made of is at least as old as our planet. The air that we breathe is the same air that dinosaurs once inhaled. The amount of water currently on earth is the same amount as when the planet was formed. As much as this is an interesting fact, it is also one of the major reasons that scientists are looking into water resources for the future. There are many factors that are causing changes in how we view the resource that is fresh water. Clean drinking water is essential to leading a healthy life. The same water is also used to water crops. It is quickly becoming common knowledge that the world’s freshwater resources aren’t replenishing themselves as fast as we can use them. In the paper Will groundwater ease freshwater stress under climate change?, Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz and Petra Döll have worked to show that we should be cautious when it comes to groundwater use.
The main reason for decline in groundwater levels is high rates of groundwater abstraction (taking water from a source). Kundzewicz and Döll showed that the increase in groundwater recharge will be less than the increase in total runoff by roughly seven percent. In this way, Northeastern Brazil is claimed to be “the most critical vulnerability globally (Kundzewicz).” Places similar in geography and climate to Brazil will likely experience a drop in groundwater recharge. This will probably coincide with a lack of precipitation.
Then there are the snow-receiving parts of the planet. The higher temperatures from climate change will results in less snow in the winter season. This means that in the spring there will be less snow melting. Right now, melted snow makes up 40-70% of water in the groundwater recharge. But Kundzewicz and Döll warn that humid regions could receive more rain than usual. Excess amounts of water could lead pathogens into the groundwater.
The final problem that was discussed was the rise in sea level. Many see this as a problem because flooding will take up much needed space in an over-populated world. Flooding will be a problem, but not only for that reason. There is the issue of contamination of groundwater on many low-lying islands. If the sea level (salt water) passes above the groundwater level, it endangers much of that area’s freshwater resources. This would mean resorting to desalination methods, which are expensive and use more resources than they produce. At the end of any desalination there is also the question of how to dispose of what’s been taken out of the water.
Kundzewicz and Döll suggest that the “use of groundwater could ease freshwater stress under climate change (Kundzewicz).” They also suggest that there be further research into possible artificial groundwater recharge. Although they warn that this may be difficult and fraught with complications. The two scientists show that all hope might not be lost for keeping track of our water resources. But they do feel the need for collecting more data in order to be certain.
Source:
Kundzewicz, Zbigniew W., and Petra Döll. "Will groundwater ease freshwater stress under climate change?" Hydrological Sciences Journal 54.4 (2009): 665-67. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.
The thing that really stood out in your article was the introduction. I always find that mine are really boring, but yours caught my attention and made me more interested in reading the rest of the article. It made the topic of groundwater depletion something that everyone can relate to. I also liked the organization of this post. The main purpose of the experiment was stated in the first paragraph and then built upon with each reason. One confusing part was in the second paragraph when you said that snowy areas would receive less rain and humid areas more. So precipitation will be differently distributed, but what would the effects of that be? Finally, if would have been good to explain why the rise in sea level is occurring/might occur. Some evidence should probably be offered instead of just stating it as a fact. Overall though, very clear and easy to read.
ReplyDelete- Amy Adair
I agree with Amy, your introduction definitely stood out to me. It really grabs the readers attention and puts water use and consumption in perspective for them, by explaining why it is necessary. I personally don't believe that using groundwater to supplement a lack of freshwater sources is the solution. These aquifers are very sensitive and each require different amounts of time for recharge. Each aquifer would have to analyzed separately to create a sustainable plan for it. While it may ease freshwater stress immediately, if it was not done carefully and properly it would these sources would not last and do more harm than good.
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth Shapiro
Wow! Great introduction. You managed to appeal to the reader and draw them by outlining the importance of something that most readers would skim over and then ignore. After all, how many average readers are interested in groundwater issues? Great job. As well, I like how you discussed the future steps the scientists think are possible, as this gives the reader things to think about once they've finished reading the article.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments, excellent introduction! You defiantly described the topic in a way that captured my attention and wanted me to keep reading your blog. The structure of your blog was also very easy to follow, and flowed well. The issue of fresh water is important to all, and the article you choose seems to address this issue quite well.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job at summing up the article in a very understandable manner. Your information was easy to grasp and the language used was appealing. The only thing that I think would have made the text more interesting would be to have included the methods of research used and a deeper explanation of how the conclusions that were made by the researchers came about. Apart from that, great post.
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