Water Distribution

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water, typically consisting of rock or sediment that is saturated with water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

Why is water from an aquifer often cleaner than surface water?

Back

Water from an aquifer is often cleaner because it is filtered by rock and soil as it moves through the ground, removing many pollutants.

Front

What percentage of the Earth's water is fresh water?

Back

Fresh water makes up approximately 3% of the Earth's total water supply.

Front

Where is most of the Earth's freshwater located?

Back

Most of the Earth's freshwater is located in icecaps and glaciers, making it unavailable for direct human use.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is saline and thus not suitable for human consumption?

Back

About 97% of Earth's water is saline and not suitable for human consumption.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water circulates through the Earth's atmosphere, land, and bodies of water, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role do glaciers play in the Earth's freshwater supply?

Back

Glaciers store a significant portion of the Earth's freshwater, but their water is not readily available for human use.

Front

How does the salinity of ocean water affect its availability for human consumption?

Back

The high salinity of ocean water makes it unsuitable for human consumption, as it can lead to dehydration.

Front

What is the significance of groundwater in water distribution?

Back

Groundwater is a crucial source of fresh water for many communities and is often cleaner than surface water due to natural filtration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What are some common pollutants that can affect surface water quality?

Back

Common pollutants include agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, sewage, and plastic waste.