GPM
How much of the water on Earth's surface actually freshwater?
3% of water on Earth is actually freshwater.
How much of Earth's water is found in our oceans?
96.5% of water can be found in our global oceans.
How much water is stored in groundwater, lakes, soil, rivers, and streams?
About 1.7% of water on Earth is stored in groundwater, lakes, soil, rivers, and streams.
How much of Earth's surface is covered by water?
About 3/4 of our Earth is covered in water.
How much of Earth's water is found in polar icecaps, glaciers, and permanent snow?
Approximately 3.4% of water is stored in polar icecaps, glaciers, and permanent snow.
What powers the water cycle?
Energy from the sun powers the water cycle.
Where does the water that we use to meet our everyday needs come from?
Nearby freshwater sources such as lakes and groundwater.
Is there a specific beginning or end to the water cycle? Why or why not?
No, because it is an endless cycle. The only beginning is when the Earth formed and water came to be, and there is no specific end, only if major catastrophe happens causing the Earth to stop functioning. Otherwise the molecules would just keep changing forms and water would keep moving.
Where is more than two thirds of Earth's freshwater stored?
Polar icecaps, snowcaps, glaciers.
Why is the amount of freshwater on Earth important for our everyday needs?
We need it for drinking and agriculture.
