Water Distribution and Water Cycle

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:
  1. Evaporation: water is heated by the sun and evaporates into the atmosphere
  2. Condensation: water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into clouds
  3. 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