| Edition |
Version 1.0. |
| Description |
45 p. : digital, PDF file, col. ill., col. maps |
| Series |
Circular ; 1312 |
|
U.S. Geological Survey circular ; 1312.
|
| Summary |
To a casual observer, tropical Pacific islands seem idyllic. Closer scrutiny reveals that their generally small size makes them particularly vulnerable to economic and environmental stresses imposed by rapidly growing populations, increasing economic development, and global climate change. On these islands, freshwater is one of the most precious resources. Ground water is the main source of drinking water on many islands, and for quite a few islands, it is the only reliable source of water throughout the year. Faced with a growing demand for this valuable resource, and the potential negative effects on its availability and quality from changes in global climate, increasingly sophisticated management approaches will be needed to ensure a dependable supply of freshwater for the residents of these islands. As the demand for freshwater grows, new monitoring and research efforts will be needed to (1) characterize the extent and sustainability of ground-water resources on different tropical Pacific islands, (2) better understand linkages between ground-water discharge and freshwater and nearshore ecosystems, and (3) prepare for the effects of climate change, which will likely include the loss of habitable land and reduced areas for the accumulation of ground water as a result of rising sea levels. |
| System Details |
Mode of access via the USGS web site. |
| Note |
Title from title screen (viewed July 21, 2009). |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 30-31). |
| Subject |
Groundwater -- Islands of the Pacific.
|
|
Water-supply -- Islands of the Pacific.
|
| Added Author |
Geological Survey (U.S.)
|
| Added Title |
Understanding a vital resource |
| Other Form: |
Tribble, Gordon W. Ground water on tropical Pacific Islands v, 35 p. (OCoLC)318459456 |
| Gpo Item No. |
0620-A (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
I 19.4/2:1312 |
|
