Bodies of Water

1. Bodies of Water

2. Salt Water • Oceans contain 97% of the earth’s water • The 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

3. Salt Water • Even 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.

4. Fresh Water • Only 3% of the earth’s water supply is freshwater. • More than 2% of the earth’s water supply is frozen • Another 0.5% is found under the earth’s surface • Lakes, streams, and rivers contain less than 1% of the earth’s water

5. Fresh Water • Lake – a body of water completely surrounded by land • Most lakes were created by glacial erosion

6. 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

7. Groundwater • Groundwater is freshwater that lies under the earth’s surface • Comes 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 groundwater • Aquifer – an underground layer of soft rock that is saturated with water