Water as a Resource
Water is essential for all life on Earth. Understanding the water cycle and how humans manage water resources is critical for sustainability.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
The water cycle involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection
Only about 3% of Earth's water is freshwater; most is frozen in ice caps
Water is used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems
Water conservation reduces waste and protects this finite resource
Key Vocabulary
Water cycle
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
Aquifer
Underground layer of rock that holds groundwater
Salinity
The concentration of dissolved salts in water
Watershed
An area of land that drains water into a particular river or lake
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
Question 2
Which process in the water cycle turns liquid water into water vapour?
Question 3
Why is groundwater important?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●The water cycle involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection
- ●Only about 3% of Earth's water is freshwater; most is frozen in ice caps
- ●Water is used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems
- ●Water conservation reduces waste and protects this finite resource