USA Desert Las Vegas Water Supply

Geography, Ecosystems, Landscapes, processes and natural hazards, Weather and climate, Population and settlements, Resources, Economic activity and development, Comparing countries and cultures, Age 11-14, Age 14-16, Age 16-18

AQA A Living World topic - Las Vegas - explores where water comes from and how it is used. For one activity you will need to access an article (hyperlinked on the BBC) or attached as word doc. Students design their own 'xeriscaped garden' - very memorable. + exam-style question.


Vegas heading for 'dry future'   BBC News  / / The oasis that is Las Vegas could soon run dry, environmentalists fear  Las Vegas is world-renowned as a city of fantasy, flaunting its reputation for excess. It appears a green oasis of refrigerated plenty, set in a blazing desert. But environmentalists warn water supplies could run dry within the next 50 years; while urban sprawl is out of control and development is encroaching on protected areas. No matter how you arrive in Las Vegas, by car or plane, you are immediately struck by the stark contrast of a lush city against a barren desert that stretches in all directions. Yet, this is a region in the grip of one of the worst droughts on record. Water myths Las Vegas consumes around 870 litres (190 gallons) of water per person per day, according to the Western Resource Advocates group

1Living WorldGCSE GeographyLesson Focus: Living in the desert: Is the American Southwest running dry?2Describe the location of Las Vegas. Can you name the desert it is located in?Living WorldGCSE GeographyThis area is the Mojave desert3 Why do you think Las Vegas such a thirsty city? List reasons you can think of…Living WorldGCSE Geography4Describe the climate of the Mojave desert (2.5cm = 1inch )Living WorldGCSE Geography5Water supply is a major problem due to low rainfall. How is the water used?DesertsGCSE Geography6Living WorldGCSE Geography Where does the water come from?Where is this? Can you name the river?7Living WorldGCSE Geography Groundwater is also extracted from aquifers deep under the ground...Can you think of any environmental impacts of using groundwater to meet water demand?8 Hoover DamLiving WorldGCSE Geography Lake MeadAny evidence of falling water levels here?What is this?9Read the extract from the BBC News Article Colour-code the relevant points in the article that help answer the questions: