Water Distribution Flashcard

Front

Why is MOST of the freshwater on Earth not available for our use?

Back

It is frozen in the icecaps and glaciers.

Answer explanation

Most of the freshwater on Earth is not available for our use because it is frozen in the icecaps and glaciers.

Front

Where is most of the Earth's water located?

Back

oceans

Answer explanation

Most of the Earth's water is located in the oceans.

Front

Where is water underground stored?

Back

aquifers

Answer explanation

Water underground is stored in aquifers, which are natural underground reservoirs.

Front

Where does runoff end up?

Back

All of the above (ponds, streams, rivers)

Answer explanation

Runoff ends up in ponds, streams, and rivers. It can flow into any of these water bodies, making the correct answer 'all of the above'.

Front

Where is most of Earth's fresh water found?

Back

huge masses of ice near the North and South Poles.

Answer explanation

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

Front

Why does all water on the planet eventually make its way to the oceans?

Back

gravity

Answer explanation

Water on the planet eventually reaches the oceans due to gravity, which pulls it downwards.

Front

What reservoir contains 97% of Earth's water?

Back

ocean

Answer explanation

The correct choice is the ocean, which contains 97% of Earth's water.

Front

What are the two reservoirs that contain almost all of Earth's fresh water?

Back

glaciers and groundwater

Answer explanation

The two reservoirs that contain almost all of Earth's fresh water are glaciers and groundwater.

Front

What is the BEST description of the water contained in clouds?

Back

collection of tiny water droplets or ice crystals

Answer explanation

Clouds are a collection of tiny water droplets or ice crystals.

Front

What is the BEST description of the water contained in the atmosphere?

Back

Gaseous water/water vapor

Answer explanation

Gaseous water/water vapor is the best description of the water contained in the atmosphere. It refers to the water in its gaseous state, present as water vapor.