The Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere is the total amount of water on the planet. The amount of water in within the global water supply is 1385000000km3 and, whilst less than 3% of this is fresh water, this is still far greater than current population requirements. Water also exists in various forms, ranging from dew to ice.
The Water Cycle
Water moves through the earth in the water cycle. The water cycle is a closed system as no water is lost or gained on earth. Essentially, the amount of water we have now is the same as on early earth.
The Water Cycle
Human Impacts
Ways in which human activities affect rivers include:
Changes to Seasonal Flaws
River Erosion
Reduced River Flow
Temperature Change
Disruptions to migratory patterns
Siltation
River Improvements
Pullution
Overfishing
Water Management
The management of water resources is necessary because there is an uneven distribution of freshwater both globally and regionally. Water management entails the collection, storage, allocation and distribution of water to meet domestic, agricultural and industrial needs. The rising demand for water and the aspirations of countries to higher levels of economic development pose new challenges for water management.