Water Resources & Biogeography of Spain: An Overview
Water Resources in Spain
Availability and Use
Spain exhibits diverse geography and climate, influencing water resource distribution. These resources include:
- Surface Water: Rivers, reservoirs
- Groundwater: Wells, galleries, springs
- Unconventional Sources: Desalination and water treatment plants
Increased demand is often met by unconventional sources, though groundwater extraction helps alleviate deficits in some regions. Analyzing river basins reveals:
- Northern Confederations (Duero, Tagus, Ebro): Galicia, Cantabria, and the Pyrenees enjoy abundant and regular water resources.
- Central Sector (Guadiana, Eastern Pyrenees): Resources are balanced against demand, with significant groundwater extraction.
- Southern Confederations (Guadalquivir, Júcar, Segura, Balearic, Canary): Water deficits are common, with groundwater becoming crucial. Tourism and leisure activities further strain resources.
Water Demand
Total water demand varies regionally. Irrigation constitutes the largest demand, followed by urban supply and industrial use. Factors like increasing demand, inadequate monitoring, and overexploitation lead to environmental and resource degradation.
Energy Use and Infrastructure
Water resources are utilized for electricity generation in the Duero, Ebro, and Tagus basins. Dams and wetlands regulate and exploit water resources. Unequal resource distribution has led to a controversial policy of transfers, exemplified by the proposed Ebro transfer, which aims to divert water to Castellón, Valencia, Murcia, Almería, and Barcelona. This has sparked conflict between those concerned about the impact on ecosystems like the Daimiel Tables and the Ebro Delta, and those prioritizing the tourism sector.
Biogeographical Regions of Spain
The Iberian Peninsula boasts around 6,000 plant species, categorized as primary (native or endemic) and secondary (introduced). Factors influencing vegetation include:
- Physical Factors: Climate, relief, soil, the Peninsula’s bridging position, and the insularity of the islands.
- Human Factors: Introduction of alien species, vegetation degradation, and positive influences like restocking.
Regions
- Eurosiberian: Located along the Atlantic coast with an oceanic climate, featuring deciduous forests, heathlands, and meadows.
- Mediterranean: Covers the rest of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, characterized by evergreen forests and scrublands.
- Macaronesian: Encompasses the Canary Islands with unique Canarian vegetation.
- Alpine: Found in the Pyrenees, showcasing distinct mountain vegetation.
National Parks
These are large, relatively untouched natural areas with exceptional beauty, flora, fauna, and geographical features, representing unique samples of a territory’s natural heritage.
Erosion
Erosion is the natural wear of landforms due to external agents (water, wind, ice, temperature changes, plants, humans). It often leads to soil loss and can be exacerbated by deforestation, desertification, gullying, and human activities like road construction and mining.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to alterations in the global climate system attributed to human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. It includes global warming and changes in rainfall patterns, cloud cover, and other atmospheric elements. To mitigate potentially catastrophic consequences, countries have convened in global summits (Kyoto, Copenhagen) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.