Bodies of Water

Salt WaterOceans contain 97%

of the earth’s waterThe Pacific Ocean is

the largest and the deepest

Other bodies of salt water include seas, gulfs, and bays – these bodies of salt water are often partially enclosed by land

Salt WaterEven though the earth’s surface

is 70% water having enough drinking water is still a major concern for the world because salt water in its natural form is not fit for consumption

Desalination – a process for turning salt water into freshwater by removing the salt.

Desalination is still in the process of being improved and is very expensive. Only countries in desperate need of freshwater currently use this process.

Fresh WaterOnly 3% of the earth’s water supply is

freshwater.More than 2% of the earth’s water supply is

frozenAnother 0.5% is found under the earth’s

surfaceLakes, streams, and rivers contain less than

1% of the earth’s water

Fresh Water

Lake – a body of water completely surrounded by land

Most lakes were created by glacial erosion

Fresh Water

Streams and rivers are made up of flowing water.

The place where a river empties into another body of water is called the mouth.

Although lakes, rivers, and streams make up a small percentage of the earth’s water they help with transportation and as a source of water for people

GroundwaterGroundwater is freshwater that lies under

the earth’s surfaceComes from rain and melted snow that filter

through the soil and from water that seeps through the ground from lakes and rivers.

Wells and springs tap into groundwaterAquifer – an underground layer of soft rock

that is saturated with water