Where Earth’s Water Is for Kids: Oceans, Ice and Groundwater (Grade 4 and 5 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Earth is called the blue planet because water covers most of its surface. But where is all that water, and how much of it can we actually drink? Let's find out.

Water covers about seventy one percent of Earth's surface. Almost all of that water is in the oceans. About ninety seven percent of all Earth's water is salty ocean water.

That leaves only about three percent as fresh water. Fresh water has very little salt. People, land animals and most plants need fresh water to survive.

Most of that fresh water is frozen! About two thirds of it is locked in glaciers and ice sheets, mostly in Antarctica and Greenland. We cannot easily use it.

Most of the rest is groundwater, stored underground in soil and in spaces between rocks. People reach groundwater by digging wells. Underground layers that hold lots of water are called aquifers.

Only a tiny amount, less than one percent of fresh water, is in lakes, rivers, wetlands, the soil surface and the air. That small amount is what we see and use most easily.

Now it's your turn. Where is most of Earth's fresh water found? In rivers, in oceans, or in glaciers and ice sheets? Pause and try. Most fresh water is frozen in glaciers and ice sheets.

Great job! Remember, most of Earth's water is salty ocean water. Most fresh water is frozen, and much of the rest is underground. Practice where Earth’s water is in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!