Water Use and Availability

Front

What is an impermeable surface?

Back

An impermeable surface is a type of soil or rock that does not allow water to pass through easily, such as clay or granite.

Front

What is the primary form of Earth's fresh water?

Back

Most of Earth's fresh water is found in the form of ice.

Front

Define permeable materials.

Back

Permeable materials are those that allow water to pass through them easily, such as sand or gravel.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sediment that holds water.

Front

Name two sources of freshwater.

Back

Groundwater and surface water are two primary sources of freshwater.

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Surface water refers to water that collects on the surface of the ground, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

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

Front

Explain the water cycle.

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water evaporates from the surface, condenses in the atmosphere, and precipitates back to the surface.

Front

What is the significance of glaciers in freshwater availability?

Back

Glaciers store a significant amount of Earth's freshwater and release it slowly, contributing to rivers and lakes.

Front

What does it mean for a material to be saturated?

Back

A saturated material is one that is fully soaked with water and cannot hold any more.