Water on Earth is stored in a variety of locations, both on the surface and underground. The vast majority resides in the oceans, but significant amounts are also found in other reservoirs.
Major Water Reservoirs on Earth
-
Oceans: Holding approximately 96.5% of all Earth's water, the oceans are by far the largest reservoir. Source This includes the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.
-
Ice Caps and Glaciers: These frozen freshwater reservoirs store a substantial amount of the planet's water, primarily in Greenland and Antarctica. Melting ice caps and glaciers significantly impact sea levels.
-
Groundwater: Water stored underground in aquifers (layers of permeable rock) is a crucial freshwater source. This water replenishes rivers and lakes and is a significant source for human consumption.
-
Lakes and Rivers: These surface water bodies represent a smaller percentage of Earth's total water but are vital for ecosystems and human activities.
-
Atmosphere: Water exists in the air as water vapor, contributing to the water cycle through precipitation and evaporation.
-
Soil Moisture: Water retained in the soil is essential for plant life and plays a role in the overall water balance.
-
Living Organisms: A tiny fraction of Earth's water is contained within living beings, including plants, animals, and humans.
Distribution Breakdown
To reiterate the proportions: About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water, with the vast majority (96.5%) held within the oceans. The remaining water is distributed amongst ice, groundwater, surface water, and the atmosphere.
