Renewable and Non-Renewable resources
Renewable resources are energy sources that can be replaced within a relatively short space of time. These sources will always be available. Non-renewable energy sources are limited as they take a long time to produce. They will run out eventually, as we use them more rapidly than they can be replaced. Consider which type of resources, water falls into. Why is water so important to life on Earth?
Natural Water Cycle
The natural water cycle begins with the evaporation of water from the salty sea. This water vapour condenses in the cooler sky and forms droplets of liquid water. Liquid water forms clouds and eventually these release their water as rain, also known as precipitation. Precipitation lands on the ground and water ways. It waters our plants and crops and adds volume to our creeks, wetlands and dams.
When water falls on the surface of the ground, it can form puddles, however on steep slopes, the water runs down the hill, collecting dirt and debris it finds in its path. This can add silt or fine dirt into normally clear streams, creeks and wetlands. This cloudiness of water is called turbidity.
The extra water on the surface of the ground after rain, can also soak into the earth infiltrating or joining grounwater. Groundwater is taken up by plants. Groundwater can also rise to the surface, bring with it any salt that is found in the soil. This salty water is called saline. We can measure the saltiness of water by measuring the salinity of the water.
When the plants make energy by photosynthesis, they release water to the air in a process called transpiration. Plants also provide an important service to keeping water clean, as their roots hold the surface dirt together and prevent it from washing away during surface runoff.
Task 1
Write your thoughts in your workbook: "How does understanding the natural water cycle help us understand how healthy ecosystems can be maintained?"
When water falls on the surface of the ground, it can form puddles, however on steep slopes, the water runs down the hill, collecting dirt and debris it finds in its path. This can add silt or fine dirt into normally clear streams, creeks and wetlands. This cloudiness of water is called turbidity.
The extra water on the surface of the ground after rain, can also soak into the earth infiltrating or joining grounwater. Groundwater is taken up by plants. Groundwater can also rise to the surface, bring with it any salt that is found in the soil. This salty water is called saline. We can measure the saltiness of water by measuring the salinity of the water.
When the plants make energy by photosynthesis, they release water to the air in a process called transpiration. Plants also provide an important service to keeping water clean, as their roots hold the surface dirt together and prevent it from washing away during surface runoff.
Task 1
Write your thoughts in your workbook: "How does understanding the natural water cycle help us understand how healthy ecosystems can be maintained?"
- What changes in the health of a wetland might we see after a long dry period?
- What changes in the health of the wetland might we see after rain?
- How might the slope of the land affect the health of the wetland?
- How might the lack of trees and plants affect the health of the wetland?
Urban Water Cycle
As shown in the diagram below, from the Ballina Water Board http://www.ballinawater.com.au/images/documents/86/urban-water-refinery.jpg, the Urban water cycle is the modern day water cycle that humans have created to help conserve the important and natural resource, water.
In the modern urbanised (city) world, humans rely on large amounts of water to survive and thrive. The source is still the same: Rain. Rain is also known as precipitation. To create a reliable water supply for the large populations that depend on it, humans build dams. Dams store the water until we are ready to use it. They cover large areas of bush land and reduce the habitat for mammals, reptiles and some insects. They also supply new habitats for birds, fish, amphibians and other insects.
The water in the dam often contains germs and particles from being stored. These germs and particles are cleaned out at a Water Treatment Plant and fluoride and chlorine as well as other chemicals are added to make the water safe for drinking. This water is then used in houses (residential use), industry (industrial use such as factories), and businesses.
When the water is poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet, it is carried by a separate set of pipes to the Waste Treatment Plant. Here the solid matter is removed, the bacteria is filtered out and the cleaned water is finally released to the ocean or used as recycled water to flush toilets or water parks and gardens. Once the water is returned to the ocean or a wetland, evaporation can occur to begin the process again.
Task 2
Look at the image below.
In pairs, discuss the points of this cycle where energy is required to create clean drinking water. Also decide what processes or points could cause or contribute to a water shortage.
Two pairs join to form a group of four.
Which points of this water cycle are of most concern in urban areas when we wish to create a healthier ecosystem?
What actions can we take, personally or as a society, to prevent water shortages.
As a class, decide the impacts of humans on the water cycle and the wetland ecosystem.
In the modern urbanised (city) world, humans rely on large amounts of water to survive and thrive. The source is still the same: Rain. Rain is also known as precipitation. To create a reliable water supply for the large populations that depend on it, humans build dams. Dams store the water until we are ready to use it. They cover large areas of bush land and reduce the habitat for mammals, reptiles and some insects. They also supply new habitats for birds, fish, amphibians and other insects.
The water in the dam often contains germs and particles from being stored. These germs and particles are cleaned out at a Water Treatment Plant and fluoride and chlorine as well as other chemicals are added to make the water safe for drinking. This water is then used in houses (residential use), industry (industrial use such as factories), and businesses.
When the water is poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet, it is carried by a separate set of pipes to the Waste Treatment Plant. Here the solid matter is removed, the bacteria is filtered out and the cleaned water is finally released to the ocean or used as recycled water to flush toilets or water parks and gardens. Once the water is returned to the ocean or a wetland, evaporation can occur to begin the process again.
Task 2
Look at the image below.
In pairs, discuss the points of this cycle where energy is required to create clean drinking water. Also decide what processes or points could cause or contribute to a water shortage.
Two pairs join to form a group of four.
Which points of this water cycle are of most concern in urban areas when we wish to create a healthier ecosystem?
What actions can we take, personally or as a society, to prevent water shortages.
As a class, decide the impacts of humans on the water cycle and the wetland ecosystem.
Teacher resources
Victorian Curriculum Links
This Essential Question links to the Victorian Curriculum Standards for Science Level 7 and 8
Earth Science
Questioning and predicting
Earth Science
- Water is an important resource that cycles through the environment (VCSSU101)
- Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, but others are non-renewable (VCSSU100)
Questioning and predicting
- Identify questions, problems and claims that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (VCSIS107)