Earth's Water

Earth's Water

Water Everywhere Water fills oceans, lakes, and ponds, and it flows in rivers, streams, and underground. It is even in the air. Frozen water is found on some parts of Earth as snow and ice.

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

Some of this fresh water is aboveground, while other fresh water is groundwater 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 water on Earth. When you pour liquid water into a container, it takes the shape of that container. Liquid water is always moving, even if you can't see it move. Water moves in rivers and streams due to currents-the constant flow of moving water. Lakes and ponds are standing bodies of water. The liquid water in them moves slowly. Surface and underwater currents cause ocean water to move, with waves forming and crashing. Winds, the Moon, and the Sun affect the strength of ocean currents.

Not all water is liquid. When liquid water gets very cold, i freezes and forms ice. Ice is another state of water-solid water. Ice can float on liquid water. People form ice into different shapes. You've probably made ice cubes to cool down a drink. Artists even carve ice sculptures.