Water Scarcity in the Western United States Quiz
Drought, overuse, irrigation (10 questions).
Water Scarcity in the Western United States Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Western United States faces a critical water crisis driven by prolonged drought, climate change, and agricultural over-allocation. Understanding the hydrology, legal frameworks, and infrastructure of this arid region is essential for geography students.
Key Takeaways
- The 100th Meridian roughly divides the humid Eastern US from the arid Western US.
- Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the two largest reservoirs in the nation, both critically stressed.
- Groundwater sources like the Ogallala Aquifer are being depleted faster than nature can recharge them.
- Aqueducts facilitate massive inter-basin transfers to support urban centers like Los Angeles and Phoenix.
- Desalination and wastewater recycling are growing solutions but remain expensive and energy-intensive.
What is the main cause of water scarcity in the West?
Scarcity is driven by a combination of natural aridity, climate change-induced “megadroughts,” and population growth outpacing supply.
Which sector consumes the most water in the Western US?
Agriculture is the largest consumer, accounting for roughly 80% of all water usage in the region.
What is “Dead Pool” status for a reservoir?
It is the level at which water in a reservoir falls so low that it can no longer flow downstream through the dam’s outlets.
How does climate change impact Western water supply?
It causes higher temperatures that reduce snowpack, increase evaporation rates, and create more volatile precipitation patterns.
What is the Colorado River Compact?
A 1922 agreement that allocated water between Upper and Lower Basin states, largely based on data from unusually wet years.
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