Science Common Sense
671 - What are the sources of freshwater on Earth?
There are several sources of freshwater on Earth:
- Rivers: Rivers flow across the land and contain freshwater that we can use for drinking, washing, and irrigation.
- Lakes: Lakes are large bodies of freshwater that are surrounded by land. We can use the water from lakes for drinking, swimming, and boating.
- Groundwater: Groundwater is freshwater stored underground in rocks and soil. We can pump this water out to use for drinking, washing, and irrigation.
- Wetlands: Wetlands are areas of land that are filled with water, like marshes and swamps. They help filter the water and provide habitats for animals.
- Glaciers: Glaciers are large blocks of ice that store freshwater. As they melt, they provide freshwater for rivers and lakes.
- Rainfall: Rainfall is the water that falls from the sky during rainstorms. We can collect this water in tanks or reservoirs to use for drinking, washing, and irrigation.
These sources of freshwater are essential for humans and animals to survive.