1. Water: A Vital Resource
All water on Earth is constantly recycled,
repurified, and reused. How does the hydrologic cycle inform us on how
recycling and repurification occur?
2. Hydrologic Cycle: Natural Cycle, Human Impacts
Humans have three major impacts on the
hydrologic cycle. What are they, and what are their effects?
All of the water humans
use must come out of the hydrologic cycle. What are the major uses, points of
withdrawal, limitations, and consequences of overdrawing water?
3. Water: A Resource to Manage, a Threat to Control
Historically, humans have addressed water
problems by obtaining more water. To what degree is this not a viable option
for the future?
Humans can reduce their water demands in
numerous ways. How can demands be reduced in agriculture, industry, and
domestic use?
Urbanization seals surfaces with pavement,
increasing runoff of storm water and associated pollutants on the land surface.
Discuss the problems caused by paving over soil. How should these concepts
influence development?
4. Water Stewardship: Public Policy Challenges
There is potential for all parties to get
together to work out compromises for water usage between agriculture, cities,
and natural ecosystems. What are some policy options that would encourage this
process?