Which of the effects of irrigation on the world’s environment is a criticism of using reservoirs
One criticism of using reservoirs for irrigation is the negative impact on the environment. Specifically, reservoirs can lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. When large areas are flooded to create reservoirs, it can result in the destruction of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This displacement can lead to the loss of plant and animal species that rely on these habitats for survival. Additionally, the alteration of natural water flows caused by reservoirs can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and lead to the decline or extinction of certain species. Thus, reservoirs for irrigation can have detrimental consequences on the environment and its biodiversity.
One criticism of using reservoirs for irrigation is the negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. Here are the step-by-step effects of irrigation using reservoirs on the world's environment:
1. Construction of Reservoirs: Reservoirs are created by building dams across rivers or streams to capture water for irrigation purposes. This construction process often involves significant changes to the natural landscape, including the flooding of large areas of land.
2. Loss of Natural Habitats: The creation of reservoirs leads to the inundation of valleys, forests, and other habitats. This displacement of natural habitats can result in the loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecological processes. Plants, animals, and aquatic species may suffer as their habitats are submerged under water.
3. Alteration of River Flow: Reservoirs change the natural flow of rivers and streams by storing water and releasing it in controlled quantities. This alteration in river dynamics can disrupt the natural movement of sediments, nutrients, and organisms downstream. It can also lead to changes in water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and turbidity, affecting the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
4. Sediment Accumulation: Reservoirs trap sediment carried by flowing water, causing sedimentation to occur. Over time, the accumulation of sediments in reservoirs reduces their storage capacity and can impact downstream water quality. Sediment deposition can also affect the habitats of aquatic species by burying plants, altering substrate composition, and reducing light penetration.
5. Water Quality Issues: Reservoirs can experience water quality issues such as eutrophication, which occurs when excess nutrients from agricultural runoff or other sources cause excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This can lead to oxygen depletion and the creation of dead zones where no aquatic life can survive.
6. Disruption of Fish Migration: Dams built for reservoirs can block the natural migration routes of fish. Many fish species, such as salmon, rely on migrating upstream to reproduce. The presence of dams can hinder their ability to reach spawning grounds, resulting in a decline in fish populations and the potential collapse of fisheries.
Overall, while reservoirs play a crucial role in water storage and supply for irrigation, their construction and operation can have significant negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. It is important to consider these environmental consequences and implement mitigation measures to minimize the adverse effects of irrigation practices using reservoirs.