The unequal
distribution of water
Objectives
-
To comprehend and describe the
characteristics of the
Mediterranean climate. (C)
-
To take measurements, record
data, derive and compare
conclusions. (P)
-
To describe the problem of acid
rain, its causes and its
implications. (C)
-
To describe the problem of water
shortage in various
Mediterranean countries. (C)
-
To recognise that water is an
important natural source, not
always available, and therefore in
need of reasonable management.
(A)
-
To adopt an informed attitude
towards saving fresh water. (A)
F
(( 3d
or many people the Mediterranean climate,
with its hot dry summers and cool wet
winters, represents the perfect climate. But the
provision of water is hardly effective. Most of
the rain falls when it is least needed and there
is hardly any rainfall when it is vitally needed.
The classic definition of the Mediterranean
climate designates a climate in which winter
rainfall is more than three times the amount of
summer rainfall. The seasonal contrast is more
pronounced in the South and the East areas of
the region, where most of the annual rainfall
may occur in just a few days of torrential
downpours.
It is not only the quantity and frequency of
rainfall that matters, but also its quality. If the
rain washes through a polluted atmosphere it
frequently becomes acidic.
Activity
Monitor the amounts of rainfall in your region
throughout the period of a year.
Materials/Equipment
-
plastic bottle
ruler
plastic funnel
universal indicator
rubber tube
marker
Procedure
1. Construct your own rain-sampler. Set up an
apparatus according to the figure.
ÚÚÚ
1 year
Physical Sciences (Chemistry,
Physics), Earth Sciences
(Geography)
annual rainfall, pH, water
shortage, Mediterranean climate
Modelling the Mediterranean Sea
2. Place the rain-sampler in an open area. Make
sure it is not get blown away or knocked over.
Secure it by putting it in a flower pot or
plastic basket filled with sand.
3. Take height measurements immediately after
a rainfall.
Each time calculate the pH by using the
universal indicator. Record your data in a
table.
date
height (mm)
pH
(( 3d
Compare your data (or sections of it) to those
published in the local newspapers or shown on
television. Annual comparisons can also be made
to previously published data. You can have
access to this data by visiting local libraries or
weather offices. Are there any variations? Can
you explain them?
Classroom discussion
-
water shortage in various Mediterranean
countries.
acid rain, its causes and its implications on
the environment.