Question 1: Blue Spring is found on the North Island in which country?
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Papua New Guinea
Correct Answer: New Zealand
Fact: Following the Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru, visitors can walk to one of the purest water sources in the world—Blue Spring. Exuding bright hues of blue and green, the spring is renowned for its clear water, which is sourced from an underground aquifer system. The water temperature is 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Question 2: Which of the following is not a source of fresh water?
- River
- Ocean
- Lake
Correct Answer: Ocean
Fact: Ocean water, covering approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, is saline due to dissolved salts and minerals, making it unsuitable for drinking. However, oceans play a crucial role in the water cycle, as they evaporate water into the atmosphere, which later condenses and falls as precipitation, ultimately replenishing freshwater sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater reservoirs.
Question 3: What is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it suitable for drinking called?
- Desalination
- Filtration
- Distillation
Correct Answer: Desalination
Fact: As the name suggests, desalination involves 'de-salting' seawater, which is typically unsuitable for human consumption. Desalination plants are increasingly being deployed in regions facing water scarcity or where freshwater resources are limited. However, the process comes with challenges, including high energy consumption and environmental impacts associated with brine disposal.