Human activity has affected every aspect of the water cycle. Identify three ways that humans have altered the water cycle. What are the major concerns regarding our alteration of the water cycle?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Humans have dammed rivers to create reservoirs, resulting in increased evaporation and infiltration of surface water into aquifers. We have also removed vegetation from many areas so infiltration into the soil, transpiration, and return of water to the atmosphere have all slowed, increasing runoff and erosion. Furthermore, our withdrawals of surface water and groundwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic uses deplete rivers, lakes, and streams and lower water tables. One concern for the future will be shortages of potable water. Shortages in specific areas of many countries are already evident. Groundwater is being removed at high rates due to agriculture and manufacturing in this country. Water tables in previously plentiful aquifers are dropping at rapid rates and may ultimately limit agricultural production and manufacturing, as well as the availability of clean, fresh water supplies for people worldwide.