Water Management: Conservation, Quality, and Sustainable Solutions
Classified in Geology
Written at on English with a size of 5.85 KB.
Understanding Earth's Water Resources
- Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water.
- 97.5% of this water is salt water.
- 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater.
- 70% of freshwater is locked up in glaciers and ice caps.
- Only 0.3% of the Earth's total water is accessible for human and animal use through rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
The Hydrologic Cycle
The hydrologic cycle is powered by solar energy.
- Evaporation and Transpiration: Move water into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: Forms clouds.
- Precipitation: Returns water to the ground (rain, snow, etc.).
- Runoff: Brings water back into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Water Usage Statistics
- USA (Drinking): 13 gallons (50 liters) per person.
Typical Daily Supply Needs:
- USA: 115 to 182