Assignment in Earth Science

1. How is water distributed in the Earth?

As we all know, the Earth’s oceans contain a whopping 97% of the planet’s
water, which means that only 3% of it only contains fresh water, or water
with a low concentration of salts and most of is contained within the
trapped ice in the vast glaciers and ice sheets located in Greenland.

Due to the distinct properties that water has, its molecules can cycle
through almost any anywhere on earth. For example, the water molecules
in the beverage you’re drinking may have originated from a glacier or
perhaps the water that you’re using in your showers may have spent billions
of years far below the ground. The point that I’m trying to make is that water
is the only substance that is present in every state of matter – as a solid (Ice
Cubes), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). With that being said, water
can be easily distributed throughout the Earth, with the presence of the
water cycle, and as we all know it is the continuous process of water which
can go anywhere, not to mention the underground reservoir of water we
can collect and further purify it for the consumers to drink and since fresh
water is a necessity for all living things, fresh water will obviously reach to
the people that are living far away which can be considered as a form of
water distribution.

2. Identify the different water resources on Earth

Saltwater Resources – While this is considered a resource by the majority, it is

not particularly useful when it comes to portable water supplies because as
we all know, saltwater is something we are not fond of drinking when it comes
to quenching our thirst. In terms of portable water, it is often identified as a
hindrance for our convenience, we mustn’t disregard the fish that we can eat
 that resides within the salty waters because they are a good source of Omega
-3, Vitamin D, Calcium and many more (Healthline.com).

Groundwater Resources – Out of all freshwater resources, this is the type that is
the most abundant. As the water travels to the layers of soil, clay, and rock, a
portion of it goes to the topmost layer, giving the plants an ample amount of
water in order to survive. Most of the Groundwater can be accessed through
aquifers which are areas of permeable rock that hold water, it can be
obtained through the creation of wells and with these reservoirs, we can pump
the water out of these locations so that our needs can be provided.

Surface Water Resources – This kind of resource is found in streams and lakes
which are mainly used for portable water supply, recreation, irrigation and etc.
Over 63% of the public water supply is withdrawn from surface water, with this
statement, it is of paramount importance that the quality of the surface water
must be maintained on a biological, chemical and physical aspect. Within
these streams, there will be sediments, debris and pathogens present and
should the amount increase overtime, the quality of the water will degrade as
well.

SOURCES:

1. https://sciencing.com/types-water-resources-5127497.html
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-health-benefits-of-fish
3. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/geophysical/chapter/distribution-of-
earths-water/

Submitted by: Nikko P. Emping

09-06-18