31 - Freshwater Resources

Freshwater Resources 31
Set 5 www.climatefresk.org 31 Freshwater resources are affected by changes in rainfall and by the melting of glaciers that regulate the flow of rivers.

3
Causes

Melting of Glaciers

Melting of Glaciers

Melting glaciers threaten water supplies. Indeed, the relative importance of glacier melt water in summer can be considerable, contributing for example to 25% of August flows in the basins draining the European Alps, with an area of about 105 km2 and only 1% glacial cover. Their disappearance could be catastrophic for cities located in valleys watered by rivers flowing down from the surrounding mountains and for freshwater fauna. Glacier meltwater also increases in importance during droughts and heat waves.
River Flooding

River Flooding

Flooding can lead in some cases to contamination of freshwater resources and affect drinking water systems.
Droughts

Droughts


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Consequences

Decline in Agricultural Yields

Freshwater Resources


Armed Conflicts

Freshwater Resources


1
Other possible cause

Coastal flooding

Coastal flooding

If seawater rises, it can penetrate the water tables, which are freshwater reserves.

2
Other possible consequences

Famines

Freshwater Resources

If we consider that hunger and famines are not only a lack of food but also a lack of water.
Human Health

Freshwater Resources

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