Earth's Water Distribution

Front

What is the largest source of water on Earth?

Back

Salt water (approximately 97% of Earth's water) is the largest source.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Back

Approximately 3% of Earth's water is freshwater.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers.

Front

Where is most of Earth's freshwater found?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is found in huge masses of ice near the North and South Poles.

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 is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.

Front

What is the water table?

Back

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where groundwater fills the spaces in soil and rock.

Front

How much of Earth's water is salt water?

Back

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

Front

What are lakes and rivers classified as in terms of water sources?

Back

Lakes and rivers are classified as surface freshwater sources.

Front

What is the significance of glaciers in Earth's freshwater distribution?

Back

Glaciers store the majority of Earth's freshwater in solid form.