Aquatic Ecosystems and Freshwater Resources Overview

Total Water on Earth

100% of Earth's water resources.

Salt Water

97.5% of Earth's total water.

Freshwater

2.5% of total water on Earth.

Groundwater

20% of all freshwater resources.

Ice Caps and Glaciers

79% of freshwater stored as ice.

Lakes

52% of surface freshwater found in lakes.

Rivers

Only 1% of surface freshwater is in rivers.

Soil Moisture

38% of terrestrial freshwater stored in soil.

Atmospheric Water Vapor

1% of Earth's freshwater in the atmosphere.

Hydrologic Cycle

Continuous movement of water through the environment.

Precipitation

Water transferred from atmosphere to surface.

Interception

Water captured by vegetation before reaching ground.

Evaporation

Water vapor released back into the atmosphere.

Transpiration

Water evaporated from plant surfaces.

Infiltration

Water movement into the soil.

Runoff

Water flowing from land into rivers.

Aquifers

Underground layers storing critical freshwater supplies.

Recharge Zones

Areas allowing water to enter aquifers.

Lotic Systems

Flowing water ecosystems like rivers and streams.

Watershed

Area drained by a river and its tributaries.

Floodplain

Low-lying areas alongside rivers enriched by silt.

Lentic Systems

Stagnant water bodies like lakes and ponds.

Oligotrophic Lakes

Clear, nutrient-poor lakes with high oxygen.

Eutrophic Lakes

Nutrient-rich lakes with low oxygen levels.

Wetlands

Areas of shallow standing water.

Marshes

Wetlands dominated by herbaceous plants.

Swamps

Forested wetlands with diverse vegetation.

Desalination

Process converting salt water to fresh water.