earth surface

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?

Approximately 71\% of Earth's surface is covered by water.

How is the water on Earth distributed?

Most of Earth's water is saltwater, making up about 97\%. The remaining 3\% is freshwater.

Where is the majority of Earth's saltwater found?

The majority of Earth's saltwater is found in oceans and seas.

Where is freshwater primarily located?

Most freshwater is locked away in glaciers and ice caps. Other sources include groundwater, rivers, and lakes.

What is the key difference between saltwater and freshwater?

Saltwater contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, while freshwater has a very low concentration of dissolved salts.

Why are oceans important?

Oceans cover most of Earth's surface, influence climate, provide habitats for diverse marine life, and are a source of food and resources.

What is a river system?

A river system is a flowing network of fresh water comprising a main river and its tributaries, draining water from a specific land area called a watershed or drainage basin.

What are lakes and how do they form?

Lakes are large bodies of relatively still freshwater (or sometimes saltwater) surrounded by land. They can form in various ways, such as in depressions created by glaciers, volcanic activity, or tectonic shifts.

Why are rivers and lakes vital to human life and the environment?

Rivers and lakes provide essential drinking water, support agriculture and industry, serve as habitats for numerous species, and are important for transportation and recreation.