Our planet is composed of 70% by water. It comes from life and is that there is everything we know. Being such a valuable resource, a very detailed classification has been created to be implemented in management strategies and in order to respond to the challenges presented by this vital liquid. For example, we know the hot springs and continental waters. Now, in this ecology article, we explain you What are surface waters and examplesin addition to what characterizes them and what is their importance.
Definition of surface waters and their characteristics
The surface waters are those that They are maintained on Earth and in contact with the atmospherethat is, on the surface. To easily identify them we can say that they are those that we can see with the naked eye or that they are not underground.
These bodies of water collect water from the rains, water births and the runoff that come from other water sources. The final destination of the surface waters that have a larger body of water, as for example occurs with the rivers that reach the ocean.
Surface water classification
Surface waters must be classified in their uses so that they can be better managed. This is how there are uses:
- Agricultural.
- Livestock
- Aquaculture.
- Public supply, including domestic.
- Drinking water.
- Self -supplied industry: which includes industrial, agroindustrial, services and commerce areas.
- Hydroelectric production
- Electric power production.
- Spas and recreational centers.
In turn, these uses can be divided into two:
- Consumptive uses: The volume varies by the use that is given. It can both increase and decrease.
- Non -consumptive uses: They are those that are not modified by the activity.
On the other hand, they can also be classified according to water quality. There are different tests that can be done, such as chemical oxygen demand, or by the amount of total suspended solids. Considering the latter there are the following classifications:
- Good quality: with particles of 25 to maximum 75 milligrams per liter.
- Acceptable quality: with particles from 75 to maximum 150 milligrams per liter.
- Contaminated: With particles of 150 to maximum 400 milligrams per liter.
Types of surface water
Surface waters can be distinguished according to different criteria and the first type can be ordered according to the level of modification they present. Thus we have:
- Natural surface waters: They are those originated by the earth and naturally, without any human alteration or intervention.
- Artificial surface waters: They are bodies of water created by man.
- Modified surface waters: They occur when natural sources of surface waters are modified, for example, modifying channels to bring water to other sites. They can also be modified as a side effect of human activity, as with the contamination or decrease in water levels.
We can also classify them according to their movement. Under this criterion there are:
- Lentic waters: They are static and have no movement, such as lakes. You may be interested in taking a look at the next post on lentic ecosystems: what are and examples.
- LOTITIC WATER: They are the ones that lead and are dynamic, with the clear example of the rivers.
Finally, surface waters can be divided according to their type. Some examples are:
- Rivers
- Manantiales
- Lakes
- Lagoons
- Wetlands
- Swamps
- Temporary lakes
- Ponds
Normally surface water refers to bodies of water that are inland, but there are those who also consider within this denomination to the following:
- Oceans
- Seas
Do not hesitate to take a look at this article that we recommend to know the difference between sea and ocean.
Importance of surface waters
Superficial water is also known as Agua Azul for the importance they have for living organisms. Millions of animals depend on these surface waters such as abbreviated or even as habitat In the case of aquatic organisms. It is also used to human activities such as livestock, for irrigation, industries, or even to generate hydroelectric energy with the strength of the river channels, for example.
Finally, it is important to complete the water cycle, because of this superficial water is that the liquid evaporates into the atmosphere.
Surface water protection
Today the protection of surface waters is an important part of government strategies for environmental management. Within these actions are the elaboration of:
- Legislative frameworks
- Strategies
- Infrastructure development
Water is a human right worldwideso this leads to a governing axis within the constitutions and laws of each country.
Some examples of actions to protect these waters are the areas of ban for fishing, definition of exploitation rights for each type of use or water quality monitoring networks.
It is important that we remember that water It is not an isolated resourcebut its integrity also depends on what happens on earth. This is why land use and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems should also be included in surface water protection strategies.
As individuals, we can protect surface waters by rational use of this resource within our homes and respect the rules to avoid pollution.
We leave you the following ecology video about the Importance of water at a general and world level to have more information on the subject.
If you want to read more articles similar to What are surface waters: definition and exampleswe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.
- Vivas Aguas, LJ, Betancourt, J., Moreno, Y., Santana, C., Cuadrado, í., Ibarra, K., & Sánchez, D. (2014). Diagnosis and evaluation of the quality of the marine and coastal waters of the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific. Surveillance network for the conservation and protection of marine and coastal waters of Colombia (Redcam). 2013 Technical Report.
- Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico. (2015). Water Atlas in Mexico. Mexico City: National Water Commission.
