Examine (A03) the competing demands for water in a specific river basin.
Evaluate (AO3) the strategies that have been adopted to meet these demands.
Define the terms below using your 'IB Geography. Course Book' by Cooke and Nagle, the command term posters in the classroom and the links below.
Image One - A Map to Show where the World Rivers which are Water Stressed are.
Water Resource Institute Article
You have already looked at the concept of water scarcity in the 'Core' module of the IB DP Course but what is physical and economic water scarcity? You will be able to use the ideas and language learnt in the 'Patterns in environmental quality and sustainability' throughout this final sub-topic.
Image Two - Colorado River
The Colorado is a major artery river in the West of the United States. Minor tributaries stretch as far North as Wyoming, with the main source of the river beginning in the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado River exits in the Gulf of California by passing the American border in to Mexico. The Colorado River supplies water to over 40 million people but has been in drought for the last 14 years. In fact the World Resources Institute class the Colorado River as one of the most water stressed river basins in the world.
Image Three - Infographic on Competing Demands for Water in the Colorado River Basin
To help you with this case study have a look at the links below. It is not an exhaustive list and you can always use your own initiative to find more information!
Evaluate the strategies that have been adopted to meet the competing demands for water in a specific river basin. (10 marks)
Use the essay grid to help you to plan your response to the question.