Question

Approximately $97\mathrm{\%}$ of all water on Earth is found in what reservoir? A. Oceans B. Lakes C. Streams D. Groundwater E. Glaciers and ice caps

Short answer

A. Oceans

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks where about 97% of all water on Earth is found. It provides five options: A. Oceans, B. Lakes, C. Streams, D. Groundwater, E. Glaciers and ice caps.

Review Water Distribution

Recall that the majority of Earth's water is found in a specific reservoir. Specifically, considering the large bodies of water.

Evaluate Each Option

Evaluate the percentage of water in each reservoir: A. Oceans contain the vast majority of Earth's water (~97%). B. Lakes hold a small fraction of Earth's fresh water.C. Streams contain an even smaller share of Earth's water compared to lakes.D. Groundwater makes up a more significant portion than lakes and streams but still much less than oceans.E. Glaciers and ice caps hold the majority of Earth's fresh water, but again, it's less compared to the oceans.

Identify the Correct Answer

Given that about 97% of Earth's water is saline and contains in large bodies, the correct answer is A. Oceans.

Key concepts

Water Reservoirs

Water reservoirs are places where water is stored on Earth. The major types include:

• Oceans
• Lakes
• Streams
• Groundwater
• Glaciers and ice caps

Oceans are the largest reservoirs, holding most of the Earth's water. Lakes and streams are smaller, containing mostly fresh water. Groundwater is another important reservoir, storing water underground. Finally, glaciers and ice caps hold significant fresh water, especially in polar regions and high mountains.

Ocean Water Percentage

Oceans cover around 71% of Earth's surface and contain about 97% of all the water on our planet. This means the vast majority of Earth's water is saline, or salty, found in large bodies of water like the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Compared to other water reservoirs, the amount of water in oceans is immense. Understanding this helps us realize why oceans play a crucial role in Earth's climate and water cycle.

Global Water Distribution

The distribution of water on Earth is uneven. Here's a brief overview:

• Oceans: ~97% of all Earth's water
• Glaciers and ice caps: ~2.1% (largest source of freshwater)
• Groundwater: ~0.6%
• Lakes, rivers, and streams: a tiny fraction, around 0.3%

This means while a majority of water is in oceans, only a small portion is available as freshwater, which is vital for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Effective management and conservation of freshwater resources are essential given its limited availability.