Water on Earth

• About 71% of the Earth's surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth's water
• Water also exists in the air as water vapor, in rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers, in the ground as soil moisture and in aquifers, and even in humans and animals
• All the water on Earth is constantly moving around in a giant cycle called the water cycle
• Arroyo


  Small creek or stream typically found in desert areas, also known as washed, tend to be dry most of the year but flood during severe weather, play a critical role by providing freshwater for wildlife in regions where other surface water bodies are scarce
• Barachois


  A shallow lagoon bounded on at least one side by a sandbar, unique features found in coastal areas
• Lake


  A freshwater body of water surrounded by land, varies in size, from small ponds to massive ones (ex. the Great Lakes in North America), supports diverse ecosystems and recreational activities
• Ocean


  The largest water body, covering about 71% of Earth's surface, vital for climate regulation, transportation, and marine life
• River


  A flowing watercourse that drains into a larger body of water (like an ocean or sea), shape landscapes, provide freshwater, and support ecosystems
• Estuary


  A coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean, rich in nutrients and serves as a nursery for many marine species
• Swamp


  A waterlogged lowland with standing water and vegetation, essential for biodiversity and act as a carbon sink
• Glacier


  A moving body that slowly carves valleys and shapes the landscape, stores freshwater and influences sea levels