Question

More than 70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered in water. The image below shows how Earth’s water is distributed. Even though water covers the majority of Earth, only three percent is fresh water. This is the only water that humans can safely drink. Humans need fresh water to survive. It keeps them hydrated and helps their organs to function properly. The majority of Earth’s water is found in oceans. Ocean water is salt water. The amount of salt in ocean water can make humans sick. Therefore, researchers and scientists must work hard to conserve fresh water resources.

The illustration titled 'Distribution of Earth's Water' shows three vertical boxes. Each box is split into layers showing the water-distribution by percentages. From left to right: the first box labeled 'Earth's water' shows 'Fresh water at 3%' and 'Saline (oceans) at 97%.' A line extends from the 'fresh water' layer and connects to the second box labeled 'Fresh water'; which shows 'Icecaps and glaciers at 68.7%', 'Ground water at 30.1%', 'Others at 0.9%' and 'Surface Water at 0.3%.' A line extends from the 'surface water” layer” and connects to the third box labeled 'Fresh surface water (liquid)'; which shows 'Lakes at 87%', 'Swamps at 11%' and 'Rivers at 2%.'

Resize Columns
Question 1.



What percentage of Earth's water is not safe to use as drinking water?


3%


68.7%


87%


97%

Question 2.


All water sources can be grouped as either salt water or fresh water resources. Drag and drop each water resource into the correct column.

Answer 1

Question 1 answer: 97%

Question 2 — groupings

Salt water resources:
- Oceans (seas, bays)

Fresh water resources:
- Icecaps and glaciers
- Groundwater (aquifers, springs)
- Surface fresh water: lakes, rivers, swamps, ponds, streams, reservoirs, wetlands