Earth's Water Distribution

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is salt water?

Back

About 97% of Earth's water is salt water.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Back

Approximately 3% of Earth's water is freshwater.

Front

What does the term 'saline' refer to?

Back

The term 'saline' refers to saltwater.

Front

What is the main source of Earth's freshwater?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is found in groundwater.

Front

Why is most of Earth's freshwater not usable?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is trapped in glaciers and ice caps or is underground.

Front

What is the largest reservoir of freshwater on Earth?

Back

Glaciers and ice caps are the largest reservoirs of freshwater.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock formations.

Front

How much of Earth's freshwater is found in lakes and rivers?

Back

Only about 0.3% of Earth's freshwater is found in lakes and rivers.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What processes are involved in the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.