 Water is the single most essential Earth resource and is crucial for life itself. The Earth's
hydrosphere
contains 1.36 x 1010 km3 of water. Because over 97.2 % is in the oceans and another 2.15 % is locked
in glaciers and
icecaps, the majority of
our water needs must be
supplied by the
remaining 0.65 %. This water is distributed
between surface and
groundwater. In addition,
water use issues
are further complicated by the dynamic nature
of the hydrosphere.... Water is the single most essential Earth resource and is crucial for life itself. The Earth's
hydrosphere
contains 1.36 x 1010 km3 of water. Because over 97 % is in the oceans and another 2.15 % is locked
in glaciers and
icecaps, the majority of
our water needs must be supplied by the remaining 0.65 %. This water is distributed between surface and groundwater. In
addition, water use issues are further complicated by the dynamic nature of the hydrosphere. |