1: Describe the location of the Salton Sea. What is the climate and geography of the area?
The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California. It is located in the southeastern corner of the state; it spans across Riverside and Imperial counties in one of California’s most scenic desert areas. As part of the Colorado Desert ecosystem, the Sea demonstrates unique features that contribute to both its appeal and to its future. The climate of the area is warm and it only rain in 3 ins.
2: How did the Salton Sea form? Explain what role humans played.
The New River and Alamo River sporadically dumped the volume of the Colorado river into the Salton Sink. Human tried to stop the inflow but ended up making it worse.
3: What is the present condition of this body of water? How has it changed over the last 25 years? Why?
The rivers carry in dissolve salt. The only outflow the Sea is through evaporation, which leaves salt behind. The water has gotten saltier and slatier, which is bad for the fish. There have been suggestions of piping in low salinity sea water and piping out high salinity sea water, but it is extremely expensive.
4: Describe several ways the Salton Sea has altered the ecosystem of the region. Explain the stability of that ecosystem. How is it changing over time?
The Salton Sea increased the biodiversity of the region forming a new lake with fish and many species of birds. The ecosystem is very unstable and is only getting worse. The water is increasing in salt concentration by 1% annually.
5: Outline 3 environmental and 3 economic reasons the Salton Sea is important.
Environmental: 1.Over 400 species of birds have been documented there; it is an now an important location for certain migratory bird.2. it is home to many species of fish birds; it is high in biodiversity. 3. fishing; provides food for some surrounding population.
Economic: 1. bird watching; brings in tourists and consequently money. 2. recreational activities; brings in money. 3. fishing; brings in money and attracts sport fishers.
6: What steps are being taken to remediate the Salton Sea? What are the chances of success? Explain.
Nothing has been done but many things have been proposed such as: piping out water to Mexico, constructing dams or canals, and desalinating the water and incorporating in into the drinking water supply. There are very slight chances of success b/c the situation seems beyond remediation.
7: Compare the similarities and differences between the Salton Sea and Lake Chad in
Sub-Saharan Africa. (Make a VENN Diagram)
See the below
The Aral Sea
1: Where is the Aral Sea located?
The Lake is situated between Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad and provides a major source of water for those regions.
2: Which rivers mainly supply the Aral Sea?
The Amu Darya and the Syr Darya
3: What government agency is responsible for the Aral Sea and its plight?
The World Bank Uzbek mission is responsible
4: Why was the water supply to the Sea diverted?
In the early 1960s, the Soviet that fed the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya in the south and the Syr Darya in the northeast, would be diverted to irrigate the desert, in order to attempt to grow rice, melons, cereals, cotton.
5: What resources did the Aral Sea supply to the local inhabitants?
The Aral Sea was a source of fish, commerce, transportation and recreation.
6: Describe 3 negative environmental effects of the fading of this sea.
First the devastation of all ecosystems and biodiversity in the area because the only biologically rich environment of that area was the Aral Sea. Now, the process of desertification has been more than tripled. Second, the water that is left in the Aral Sea has such a high percentage of salt, it has become toxic. Lastly, The receding sea has left huge plains covered with salt and toxic chemicals – the results of weapons testing, industrial projects, pesticides and fertilizer runoff – which are picked up and carried away by the wind as toxic dust and spread to the surrounding area.
7: Describe 3 economic impacts in the region because of the water diversion.
First, the Aral Sea fishing industry that reportedly produced one-sixth of the Soviet Union's entire fish catch, has been decimated. Also, the water diversion destroyed the muskrat trapping industry in the area, which used to yield as much as 500,000 muskrat pelts a year. Lastly, through the devastation of these industries many thousands of people lost their only source of income or food or both.
8: How is the situation of the Salton Sea similar to the Aral Sea? How is it different?
Recent major environmental changes that were caused by humans. Potential dangers from military toxins/wastes. Loss of fisheries due to human-caused environmental changes. Sea water that is polluted by sewage, pesticides, defoliants, selenium (SS), agent orange (AS), and DDE (SS).
9: How would you describe this region today, other than as a “sea”?
Salton- a saline lake that was formed in a large basin.created San Andreas fault.became lake in 1891.dried up within a year.Aral- Formerly one of the four largest lakes in the world.shrinking since the 1960s.Due to Soviet Union irrigation projects
10: Explain five health effects on people related to the vanishing Aral Sea.
Digestive disorders. Anaemia. Liver and kidney problems. High cancer rate. High rate of lung diseases
11: How can the Aral Sea be realistically rehabilitated?
It has been proposed to divert water from the northern rivers or the Volga to feed the Aral Sea, but that will do nothing for the soil which is ruined by the vast saline underground pools. Some agriculture is possible by over-watering the land.
12: Compare the situation in Mono Lake, California with that of the Aral Sea
• How did the Mono Lake problem arise?
The Mono lake problem arose through issues such as water level and water resources. Bird migration and tufas are other problems that arose. Nearly 79 species exist in the region.
• Describe 3 ways the problems of Mono Lake are similar to those of the Aral Sea
Primarily the diversion of the water
The loss of fish life
reproduction
• Outline three ways the problems of Mono Lake differ
The climate in the two areas is different, in the Mono lake area it is less severe. The area the Mono lake is in is also better developed than the area the Aral sea is in. Also, there is still hope for the Mono lake, whilst no attempt is being made to save the desolate Aral sea.
13: Summarize the proposal and actions to remediate Mono Lake Colorado River Basin
Mono Lake has a committee that is working to protect Mono Lake from destruction. They are also seeking to heal the damage that has been done in the Mono Basin. They fight to educate the public about the natural environment and how to use water wisely. They have a website that is devoted to Mono Lake and all things that pertain to it. On there you can visit the lake, see seasonal updates, view Mono Lake cams and make donations to help the cause and support proposals.
1: Compare water diversion influences on the Colorado River with those on the Salton Sea and the Aral Sea. Describe three ways they are different.
The Colorado River does not flow into an inland sea, therefore it has a much smaller impact as it is diverted for irrigation purposes. Whereas the Aral sea has been caused to retreat substantially due to the river diversion away from the sea
2: Look at the map- Where is the source of the Colorado River?
The Gulf of California
3: Politics: Who decides where the water in the river system goes? How is the resource divided between the various states in the watershed and beyond?
Seven States of the Colorado River Basin
4: How do the individual states use the water? Who are the top five consumers of the water?
They dam the river and divert the water from the river via aqueducts to where the water in needed. Water is used for drinking, agriculture, cleaning, livestock
5: Describe some of the conflicts that arise over water use. How are they usually resolved?
It is all about who gets water and how much. The states within each basin were to work out each state's allocation. Unable to agree among themselves, the embattled Lower Basin states settled the matter in the courts.
6: How are conflicts between public and private use managed?
The Colorado River Salinity Control Program. is a federally funded management plan to control the use of public water in Colorado.
7: Serious differences with Mexico exist concerning the amount of water the Mexicans receive from the river. Explain why this problem exists and what can be done to work out this dispute between the countries.
The amount of water in the Colorado River has dropped, meaning there is less water in Mexico. This problem exists because we are using more water than is being remediated.
8: The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers cross international boundaries in their path to the Persian Gulf. Why is this problem potentially greater than the one that exists on the Colorado River?
They are located in arid regions
9: Compare the problem of water diversions on the Yangtze River in China with those of the Colorado River.
The Yangtze river is a part of a South to North water diversion project to supply water elsewhere in China. The Colorado River is also diverted to supply water and irrigation to several areas, through dams
10: The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is very controversial. Why is this dam being built?
Being built to hold back flood water than can kill millions and also to supply electrical power to the people around the region
11: Describe how this dam differs from dams on the Colorado River, such as the Glen Canyon Dam or Hoover Dam, with respect to:
• the disruption of human life
• impact on the environment
• archaeology
• local culture and natural beauty
The dam forces millions of people to relocate and reduces the biodiversity also. 300 fish species cannot move upstream of the Yangtze River, compared to the 4 species in Hoover Dam. In the 3 gorges, 44 archaeology sites would be affected, while the sites in Hoover Dam are flooded. The 3 gorges decimated beauty and destroyed cultural artifacts.
Water Diversion- FRQ
Q: The Colorado River runs 1,450 from the headwaters of the Rocky Mountains to the
Gulf of California. The primary source of Colorado River water is melting Rocky
Mountain snowpack. Once the river descends from the Rockies, it flows through a
landscape that is dominated by desert. Colorado River water carries a high load of sediment. The river has many dams, aqueducts and canals that divert the water in order
to supply for electricity, irrigation, recreation, and domestic use.
a: Describe and discuss two environmental issues associated with water diversion
projects. Identify two benefits other than agriculture and recreation that people derive
from that system of dams.
CO:improved human health no point for describing global warming due to COCO2 :greenhouse gas therefore less global warming, decreased greenhouse effect,
decreased acid precipitation
b: If there is a shortage of water, decisions will have to be made as to whether the water
should be diverted to urban areas, agricultural areas, or natural ecosystems. Make an
argument for diverting water for urban consumption, and an argument for permitting
the water to flow to natural areas.
Maintaining nature within urban areas for aesthetic value and ecological services that plants provide. Prevention of continued urban and suburban sprawl
c: Identify another example (other than the Colorado River) of a large-scale water
diversion project. Discuss two environmental problems that have resulted or might
result from this project.
Columbia River:White River
d; Identify two possible environmental consequences of climate change on the
hydrology of the Colorado River system.
Increased precipitation ;Increased surface water or groundwater inputs
Warmer temperatures ;Increased evaporation from soil
e: In addition to impacts on the Colorado River system, climate change is impacting the
hydrology of coastal ecosystems. Identify and describe TWO possible consequences of
climate change on coastal ecosystems.
More frequent and severe storms it destruction of habitat and increased mortality of coastal species
The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California. It is located in the southeastern corner of the state; it spans across Riverside and Imperial counties in one of California’s most scenic desert areas. As part of the Colorado Desert ecosystem, the Sea demonstrates unique features that contribute to both its appeal and to its future. The climate of the area is warm and it only rain in 3 ins.
2: How did the Salton Sea form? Explain what role humans played.
The New River and Alamo River sporadically dumped the volume of the Colorado river into the Salton Sink. Human tried to stop the inflow but ended up making it worse.
3: What is the present condition of this body of water? How has it changed over the last 25 years? Why?
The rivers carry in dissolve salt. The only outflow the Sea is through evaporation, which leaves salt behind. The water has gotten saltier and slatier, which is bad for the fish. There have been suggestions of piping in low salinity sea water and piping out high salinity sea water, but it is extremely expensive.
4: Describe several ways the Salton Sea has altered the ecosystem of the region. Explain the stability of that ecosystem. How is it changing over time?
The Salton Sea increased the biodiversity of the region forming a new lake with fish and many species of birds. The ecosystem is very unstable and is only getting worse. The water is increasing in salt concentration by 1% annually.
5: Outline 3 environmental and 3 economic reasons the Salton Sea is important.
Environmental: 1.Over 400 species of birds have been documented there; it is an now an important location for certain migratory bird.2. it is home to many species of fish birds; it is high in biodiversity. 3. fishing; provides food for some surrounding population.
Economic: 1. bird watching; brings in tourists and consequently money. 2. recreational activities; brings in money. 3. fishing; brings in money and attracts sport fishers.
6: What steps are being taken to remediate the Salton Sea? What are the chances of success? Explain.
Nothing has been done but many things have been proposed such as: piping out water to Mexico, constructing dams or canals, and desalinating the water and incorporating in into the drinking water supply. There are very slight chances of success b/c the situation seems beyond remediation.
7: Compare the similarities and differences between the Salton Sea and Lake Chad in
Sub-Saharan Africa. (Make a VENN Diagram)
See the below
The Aral Sea
1: Where is the Aral Sea located?
The Lake is situated between Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad and provides a major source of water for those regions.
2: Which rivers mainly supply the Aral Sea?
The Amu Darya and the Syr Darya
3: What government agency is responsible for the Aral Sea and its plight?
The World Bank Uzbek mission is responsible
4: Why was the water supply to the Sea diverted?
In the early 1960s, the Soviet that fed the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya in the south and the Syr Darya in the northeast, would be diverted to irrigate the desert, in order to attempt to grow rice, melons, cereals, cotton.
5: What resources did the Aral Sea supply to the local inhabitants?
The Aral Sea was a source of fish, commerce, transportation and recreation.
6: Describe 3 negative environmental effects of the fading of this sea.
First the devastation of all ecosystems and biodiversity in the area because the only biologically rich environment of that area was the Aral Sea. Now, the process of desertification has been more than tripled. Second, the water that is left in the Aral Sea has such a high percentage of salt, it has become toxic. Lastly, The receding sea has left huge plains covered with salt and toxic chemicals – the results of weapons testing, industrial projects, pesticides and fertilizer runoff – which are picked up and carried away by the wind as toxic dust and spread to the surrounding area.
7: Describe 3 economic impacts in the region because of the water diversion.
First, the Aral Sea fishing industry that reportedly produced one-sixth of the Soviet Union's entire fish catch, has been decimated. Also, the water diversion destroyed the muskrat trapping industry in the area, which used to yield as much as 500,000 muskrat pelts a year. Lastly, through the devastation of these industries many thousands of people lost their only source of income or food or both.
8: How is the situation of the Salton Sea similar to the Aral Sea? How is it different?
Recent major environmental changes that were caused by humans. Potential dangers from military toxins/wastes. Loss of fisheries due to human-caused environmental changes. Sea water that is polluted by sewage, pesticides, defoliants, selenium (SS), agent orange (AS), and DDE (SS).
9: How would you describe this region today, other than as a “sea”?
Salton- a saline lake that was formed in a large basin.created San Andreas fault.became lake in 1891.dried up within a year.Aral- Formerly one of the four largest lakes in the world.shrinking since the 1960s.Due to Soviet Union irrigation projects
10: Explain five health effects on people related to the vanishing Aral Sea.
Digestive disorders. Anaemia. Liver and kidney problems. High cancer rate. High rate of lung diseases
11: How can the Aral Sea be realistically rehabilitated?
It has been proposed to divert water from the northern rivers or the Volga to feed the Aral Sea, but that will do nothing for the soil which is ruined by the vast saline underground pools. Some agriculture is possible by over-watering the land.
12: Compare the situation in Mono Lake, California with that of the Aral Sea
• How did the Mono Lake problem arise?
The Mono lake problem arose through issues such as water level and water resources. Bird migration and tufas are other problems that arose. Nearly 79 species exist in the region.
• Describe 3 ways the problems of Mono Lake are similar to those of the Aral Sea
Primarily the diversion of the water
The loss of fish life
reproduction
• Outline three ways the problems of Mono Lake differ
The climate in the two areas is different, in the Mono lake area it is less severe. The area the Mono lake is in is also better developed than the area the Aral sea is in. Also, there is still hope for the Mono lake, whilst no attempt is being made to save the desolate Aral sea.
13: Summarize the proposal and actions to remediate Mono Lake Colorado River Basin
Mono Lake has a committee that is working to protect Mono Lake from destruction. They are also seeking to heal the damage that has been done in the Mono Basin. They fight to educate the public about the natural environment and how to use water wisely. They have a website that is devoted to Mono Lake and all things that pertain to it. On there you can visit the lake, see seasonal updates, view Mono Lake cams and make donations to help the cause and support proposals.
1: Compare water diversion influences on the Colorado River with those on the Salton Sea and the Aral Sea. Describe three ways they are different.
The Colorado River does not flow into an inland sea, therefore it has a much smaller impact as it is diverted for irrigation purposes. Whereas the Aral sea has been caused to retreat substantially due to the river diversion away from the sea
2: Look at the map- Where is the source of the Colorado River?
The Gulf of California
3: Politics: Who decides where the water in the river system goes? How is the resource divided between the various states in the watershed and beyond?
Seven States of the Colorado River Basin
4: How do the individual states use the water? Who are the top five consumers of the water?
They dam the river and divert the water from the river via aqueducts to where the water in needed. Water is used for drinking, agriculture, cleaning, livestock
5: Describe some of the conflicts that arise over water use. How are they usually resolved?
It is all about who gets water and how much. The states within each basin were to work out each state's allocation. Unable to agree among themselves, the embattled Lower Basin states settled the matter in the courts.
6: How are conflicts between public and private use managed?
The Colorado River Salinity Control Program. is a federally funded management plan to control the use of public water in Colorado.
7: Serious differences with Mexico exist concerning the amount of water the Mexicans receive from the river. Explain why this problem exists and what can be done to work out this dispute between the countries.
The amount of water in the Colorado River has dropped, meaning there is less water in Mexico. This problem exists because we are using more water than is being remediated.
8: The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers cross international boundaries in their path to the Persian Gulf. Why is this problem potentially greater than the one that exists on the Colorado River?
They are located in arid regions
9: Compare the problem of water diversions on the Yangtze River in China with those of the Colorado River.
The Yangtze river is a part of a South to North water diversion project to supply water elsewhere in China. The Colorado River is also diverted to supply water and irrigation to several areas, through dams
10: The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is very controversial. Why is this dam being built?
Being built to hold back flood water than can kill millions and also to supply electrical power to the people around the region
11: Describe how this dam differs from dams on the Colorado River, such as the Glen Canyon Dam or Hoover Dam, with respect to:
• the disruption of human life
• impact on the environment
• archaeology
• local culture and natural beauty
The dam forces millions of people to relocate and reduces the biodiversity also. 300 fish species cannot move upstream of the Yangtze River, compared to the 4 species in Hoover Dam. In the 3 gorges, 44 archaeology sites would be affected, while the sites in Hoover Dam are flooded. The 3 gorges decimated beauty and destroyed cultural artifacts.
Water Diversion- FRQ
Q: The Colorado River runs 1,450 from the headwaters of the Rocky Mountains to the
Gulf of California. The primary source of Colorado River water is melting Rocky
Mountain snowpack. Once the river descends from the Rockies, it flows through a
landscape that is dominated by desert. Colorado River water carries a high load of sediment. The river has many dams, aqueducts and canals that divert the water in order
to supply for electricity, irrigation, recreation, and domestic use.
a: Describe and discuss two environmental issues associated with water diversion
projects. Identify two benefits other than agriculture and recreation that people derive
from that system of dams.
CO:improved human health no point for describing global warming due to COCO2 :greenhouse gas therefore less global warming, decreased greenhouse effect,
decreased acid precipitation
b: If there is a shortage of water, decisions will have to be made as to whether the water
should be diverted to urban areas, agricultural areas, or natural ecosystems. Make an
argument for diverting water for urban consumption, and an argument for permitting
the water to flow to natural areas.
Maintaining nature within urban areas for aesthetic value and ecological services that plants provide. Prevention of continued urban and suburban sprawl
c: Identify another example (other than the Colorado River) of a large-scale water
diversion project. Discuss two environmental problems that have resulted or might
result from this project.
Columbia River:White River
d; Identify two possible environmental consequences of climate change on the
hydrology of the Colorado River system.
Increased precipitation ;Increased surface water or groundwater inputs
Warmer temperatures ;Increased evaporation from soil
e: In addition to impacts on the Colorado River system, climate change is impacting the
hydrology of coastal ecosystems. Identify and describe TWO possible consequences of
climate change on coastal ecosystems.
More frequent and severe storms it destruction of habitat and increased mortality of coastal species