Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered in water?
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered in water?
71%
What is the percentage of freshwater that is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps?
What is the percentage of freshwater that is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps?
2.5%
What is the primary stage of the water cycle where water is heated by the sun and evaporates into the atmosphere?
What is the primary stage of the water cycle where water is heated by the sun and evaporates into the atmosphere?
Evaporation
What is the largest user of global freshwater, accounting for 70% of its use?
What is the largest user of global freshwater, accounting for 70% of its use?
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What is the term used to describe the lack of access to sufficient water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry?
What is the term used to describe the lack of access to sufficient water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry?
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What is the term used to describe the contamination of water sources, affecting human health and ecosystems?
What is the term used to describe the contamination of water sources, affecting human health and ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Water Distribution
- 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water
- 97% of the water is saltwater, found in oceans, seas, and bays
- 3% of the water is freshwater, with:
- 2.5% frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps
- 0.5% freshwater in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers
Water Cycle
- The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous process by which water is circulated between the Earth and the atmosphere
- The three main stages of the water cycle are:
- Evaporation: water is heated by the sun and evaporates into the atmosphere
- Condensation: water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into clouds
- Precipitation: water falls back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Water Sources
- Surface water: lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands
- Groundwater: water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers
- Atmospheric water: water vapor in the air
Water Uses
- Agriculture: 70% of global freshwater is used for irrigation
- Industry: 20% of global freshwater is used for industrial processes
- Domestic: 10% of global freshwater is used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation
Water Issues
- Water scarcity: 40% of the global population lives in areas with water scarcity
- Water pollution: human activities contaminate water sources, affecting human health and ecosystems
- Climate change: alters precipitation patterns, affecting water availability and quality
Water Distribution
- 71% of the Earth's surface is water-covered
- 97% of water is saltwater, found in oceans, seas, and bays
- 3% of water is freshwater, divided into:
- 2.5% frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps
- 0.5% freshwater in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers
Water Cycle
- The water cycle is the continuous process of water circulation between the Earth and atmosphere
- The three main stages of the water cycle are:
- Evaporation: water is heated by the sun and evaporates into the atmosphere
- Condensation: water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into clouds
- Precipitation: water falls back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Water Sources
- Surface water sources include lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands
- Groundwater is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers
- Atmospheric water exists as water vapor in the air
Water Uses
- Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use for irrigation
- Industry uses 20% of global freshwater for industrial processes
- Domestic use accounts for 10% of global freshwater for drinking, cooking, and sanitation
Water Issues
- 40% of the global population lives in areas with water scarcity
- Human activities contaminate water sources, affecting human health and ecosystems
- Climate change alters precipitation patterns, affecting water availability and quality
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Description
Learn about the distribution of water on Earth, including the percentage of saltwater and freshwater, and the different stages of the water cycle.
