NASA Satellite Measures Human Impact in Water Storage

The video discusses the water cycle, highlighting the often-overlooked human impact on water storage. Using data from NASA's ICESat-2 satellite, the study quantifies how human management of reservoirs significantly affects surface water variability. Despite reservoirs being a small percentage of water bodies, they account for a large portion of seasonal variability. The video also covers technological advancements in observing small water bodies and future challenges in water management due to population growth, industrialization, and climate change.

What is a common omission in traditional depictions of the water cycle?

• The flow of rivers

• The role of clouds

• The presence of mountains

• Human influence

What percentage of total seasonal water storage variability is attributed to human management?

• 90%

• 57%

• 25%

• 75%

How much of the total water bodies observed are reservoirs?

• 25%

• 10%

• 50%

• 3.9%

What is the primary function of the ICESat-2 satellite?

• To measure ocean currents

• To provide high-resolution observations of surface water levels

• To track weather patterns

• To map mountain ranges

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a future challenge for water management?

• Population growth

• Industrialization

• Deforestation

• Climate change