IB Geogaphy – FreshwaterIrrigation and Agriculture (3hrs)

Objective: Examine the environmental impact of agriculture and irrigation on water quality.

Impact 1 - Salinization

Salinization

• http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/publications/files/salinzation.pdf• Task 1 – Open the hyperlink and read the information on

Salinization. Summarise how the process happens and how it is linked to irrigation and agriculture. Briefly explain how its effects can be combatted.

• http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-16_u-140_t-416_c-1459/geographical-process/nsw/geographical-process/issues-in-australian-environments/case-study-adelaide-s-drinking-water-crisis

• This link explains the problems caused by Salinization in the Adelaide, SA. Read over the document put pay particular attention to ‘The stressed Murray-Darling River system’ and ‘What is water salinity’?

• Create two spider diagrams that show 1. The causes of Salinization in the Murray Darling and 2. The effects …..

• PPM = Parts per million

Impact 2 - Agro-Chemical Runoff

• Watch the video on the following slide. • Make notes under the following headings:• Case study location• How much pesticide is used every year?• What is a pesticide?• Links to agriculture and runoff.• Effects on the environment.• Protection measures.

Agro Chemical Runoff

Impact 3 - Groundwater Contamination

• Watch the video on the next slide and read the information on the web link here

• http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Oc-Po/Pollution-of-Groundwater.html

• Summarise all the ways that groundwater pollution can occur by agriculture and irrigation and associated management strategies.

Groundwater Contamination

Impact 4 - Eutrophication of rivers, lakes and wetlands.

• Turn to page 494 of Integrated Approach• Copy Figure 16.50 under the heading at the top

of this slide.• http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2003/aug/

11/sciencenews.theguardianlifesupplement1• Read the newspaper article and summarise the

main causes of eutrophication of our freshwater resources.

• Use your internet skills to find and print out a case study of eutrophication of a freshwater resource. If you are struggling, use this resource

• http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/case_studies/peipsi_lake/index.shtml?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Exam technique

• Prepare an essay plan (do not write an essay!) on the following IB question:

• Using multiple case studies, discuss the extent to which agriculture and irrigation impact upon the quality of water supplies around the world? (20)