Chapter 17. Chapter 17: Freshwater Resources

Interactive Study Guide
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Guiding Question 17.1

What are the sources of freshwater on Earth and how does water cycle through the environment?

Why You Should Care

Earth is often called the “water planet” by astronomers because so much of the surface is covered in water. Unfortunately, 97% of that water is saltwater and drinking it would kill us. We need freshwater and most of that is trapped as ice. So, humans are left to use the freshwater they can find in lakes, rivers, and pumped up from groundwater.

But don’t be fooled: All of that water is in motion, flowing downhill toward the oceans. The source of new freshwater is water evaporated off the surface of the salty ocean. Moisture precipitates (as rain or snow) mostly back into the ocean, but some falls on land and becomes accessible to life on land. This begins the water cycle and that freshwater then flows through rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater to return to the ocean.

Test Your Vocabulary

Choose the correct term for each of the following definitions:

Term Definition
Water that has few dissolved ions, such as salt.
The conversion of water from a liquid state to a gaseous state.
The movement of water from gaseous to liquid states through various water compartments, such as surface waters, soil, and living organisms.
Any body of water found above ground, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.
The loss of water vapor from plants.
Used and contaminated water that is released after use by households, industry, or agriculture.
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1.

Where is most of the water found on Earth?

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4.

Which of the following is not a source of water for precipitation?

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