Earth's Water

Earth's Water

Water Everywhere Water fills oceans, lakes, and ponds. It flows in rivers, streams, and underground. It is even in the air. Some parts of Earth have snow and ice, which are frozen water.

Water covers most of Earth's surface. Salt water in the oceans makes up much of Earth's water. Earth has much less fresh water. Many plants and animals need this fresh water to survive.

Some of this fresh water is aboveground, while other fresh water is underneath Earth's surface. What are some ways you use Earth's water?

Different Forms of Water Liquid water is the most common state of Earth's water. It takes the shape of the container it is in. Liquid water is always moving, even if you can't see it move. It flows in rivers and streams, and it crashes as ocean waves.

Not all water is liquid. When liquid water gets very cold, it freezes to form ice. Ice is another state of water-solid water. Ice can float on liquid water. People form ice into different shapes. Artists even carve ice to make sculptures.