Earth's Water Distribution and Processes

Front

What is the main source of Earth's water?

Back

The main source of Earth's water is the oceans, which contain about 97% of all water on Earth.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is fresh water?

Back

Only about 3% of Earth's water is fresh water.

Front

What is the process by which water moves from the ground to the atmosphere?

Back

The process is called evaporation.

Front

What is the term for water that is found beneath the Earth's surface?

Back

Groundwater.

Front

What is the process of water changing from a gas to a liquid called?

Back

Condensation.

Front

What is the term for the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth?

Back

The water cycle.

Front

What is desalination?

Back

Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable.

Front

How do rivers typically flow?

Back

Rivers flow from higher elevations to lower elevations.

Front

What is the main reason rivers flow towards oceans?

Back

Rivers flow towards oceans due to gravity.

Front

What percentage of Earth's fresh water is found in glaciers and ice caps?

Back

About 68.7% of Earth's fresh water is found in glaciers and ice caps.