Freshwater availability and distribution
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Flip to reveal answersWhy is freshwater considered scarce globally?
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Question
Why is freshwater considered scarce globally?
Answer
Only about 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater; most is frozen in ice caps/glaciers or stored as groundwater, leaving a tiny fraction as accessible surface water.
💡 Hint
Most is frozen or underground.
Question
Roughly what fraction of Earth’s water is accessible freshwater?
Answer
Only about 1% of Earth’s water is accessible freshwater (easy-to-use surface/near-surface freshwater).
💡 Hint
Tiny fraction.
Question
Give two factors that affect freshwater availability in a region.
Answer
Examples include climate (precipitation), geography/terrain, population density, economic development, pollution, and climate change.
💡 Hint
Think: climate, people, money, pollution.
Question
Name two reasons freshwater distribution is uneven.
Answer
Climate differences and geography (river basins/terrain) cause uneven distribution (also population and development).
💡 Hint
Climate + geography.
Question
Define physical water scarcity.
Answer
Physical water scarcity occurs when there is not enough water in the environment to meet demand (for example due to arid climate, drought, or overuse).
💡 Hint
Not enough water exists.
Question
Physical vs economic scarcity: what’s the key difference?
Answer
Physical scarcity means not enough water exists. Economic scarcity means water exists but access is limited by money/infrastructure/governance.
💡 Hint
Exists vs accessible.
Question
Give two factors that can reduce usable freshwater supply.
Answer
Pollution can contaminate water, and climate change can alter precipitation patterns and increase drought risk.
💡 Hint
Pollution + climate.
Question
Define economic water scarcity.
Answer
Economic water scarcity occurs when water exists but people cannot access it due to poverty, lack of infrastructure, or weak governance.
💡 Hint
Water exists but not accessible.
Question
Why is freshwater distribution uneven between countries?
Answer
Because precipitation patterns, river basins, geology (groundwater), and human factors (population, infrastructure, pollution) vary strongly by region.
💡 Hint
Nature + society differences.
Question
Why is water distribution becoming more unpredictable?
Answer
Climate change is altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extremes such as droughts and floods.
💡 Hint
More extremes.
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Full study notes for Freshwater availability and distribution
Topic 4.2 hub
Water access, use and security
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