In this module, learners explore the concepts of water storage and the different places water is held on Earth. Students engage in a thought-provoking first activity where they explore the proportions of water found in oceans, in rivers and streams, and in glaciers. Then, underground water storage is explored, with students learning about aquifers and how they are important components of water storage systems.
Nearly all of Earth’s available water is in the ocean. Most fresh water is in glaciers or underground; only a tiny fraction is in streams, lakes, wetlands, and the atmosphere.
Humans depend on Earth’s land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for many different resources. Minerals, fresh water, and biosphere resources are limited, and many are not renewable or replaceable over human lifetimes. These resources are distributed unevenly around the planet as a result of past geologic processes.
Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.
Apply mathematical concepts and/or processes (such as ratio, rate, percent, basic operations, and simple algebra) to scientific and engineering questions and problems.