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Chapter 17: Problem 1

Describe the location of most freshwater on Earth today.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Most of the freshwater on Earth, around 68.7%, is stored in ice caps and glaciers. Groundwater holds about 30.1%, while surface water, which includes rivers, swamps, and lakes, contains only about 1.2%. The remaining fraction of a percent is found in the atmosphere and in soil moisture.

Step by step solution

01

Ice caps and Glaciers

About 68.7% of the Earth's freshwater is found in ice caps and glaciers. This means a vast amount of our freshwater is actually inaccessible, as it is frozen and located in remote areas such as Antarctica and Greenland.
02

Groundwater

Groundwater represents about 30.1% of the Earth's freshwater. This includes water beneath the Earth's surface that fills the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rocks. This is a highly important source for our Earth’s fresh water, even though it is often out of sight.
03

Surface and other Fresh water

Only about 1.2% of freshwater is in surface water, which serves most of life's immediate needs. This category includes rivers, swamps, and lakes. The 'other' component of freshwater on Earth includes water vapor and moisture in the soil, which are a fraction of a percent but still vital.
04

Atmosphere

The atmosphere holds only a small percentage of the Earth's freshwater. Despite this, it plays a crucial role in the movement of water around the globe, dispersing it to areas that would otherwise be dry.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Ice Caps and Glaciers
The colossal ice sheets that cover parts of the world, including Antarctica and Greenland, embody a surprising reality: they hold the majority of our planet's fresh water. Specifically, about 68.7% of Earth's freshwater rests in these frozen expanses known as ice caps and glaciers.

Though picturesque, their locales render the water they contain largely inaccessible. Climate change is impacting these icy reservoirs, causing melting that leads to rising sea levels. The impact of glaciers on our global ecosystem is enormous, as they act as freshwater storage that regulates sea levels and, when they melt, contribute fresh water to oceans and influence oceanic currents.
Groundwater Resources
Groundwater is an unseen treasure, constituting approximately 30.1% of Earth's freshwater resources. This crucial supply is held in the nooks and crannies within soil, sand, and rock underground — spaces known as aquifers.

Accessed by wells and boreholes, groundwater is a lifeline for agriculture and personal consumption. Replenished by rain and melting snow, it's a renewable resource, but its renewal rate can be slow, and over-extraction poses risks like land subsidence and reduced water quality. Ensuring sustainable management is imperative for maintaining this critical source of fresh water.
Surface Water
Upon cruising the Earth's surface, we find rivers, lakes, and swamps, which make up about 1.2% of the planet's freshwater. This surface water is not just a scenic delight but is also vital for the daily needs of life, from drinking to agriculture, and from industry to recreation.

These bodies of water are hubs of biodiversity and are crucial in supporting ecosystems. However, they are vulnerable to pollution and overuse. The balance of surface water systems is delicate and requires conscientious stewardship to ensure these waters remain lifelines for countless species, including humans.
Atmospheric Water
The atmosphere may hold only a whisper of Earth's freshwater — a small fraction of a percent — yet its role is thunderous in the water cycle. Atmospheric water includes water vapor, clouds, and precipitation. It's a dynamic system, distributing water across the globe and delivering rainfall to replenish lakes, rivers, aquifers, and glaciers.

This cycle of evaporation and condensation is a natural distillation process, cleansing the water as it travels through the atmosphere. The importance of atmospheric water extends beyond its volume; it is an integral part of weather systems and has a say in the distribution and availability of fresh water around the planet.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the role of ice cores in deciphering past climates. What record do they preserve? Where were they drilled?

In terms of climatic types, describe the areas on Earth where periglacial landscapes occur. Include both higherlatitude and higher-altitude climate types.

What is a morainal deposit? What specific moraines are created by alpine and continental glaciers?

Differentiate between an alpine glacier and the three types of continental glaciers. Which occurs in mountains? Which covers Antarctica and Greenland?

Differentiate between two forms of glacial drift—till and outwash.
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