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Water is vital for all known forms of life. Covering 71% of the Earth's surface, it is found mostly in oceans and other large water bodies. 1.6% of the total mass of the Earth's water is below ground in aquifers and 0.001% is in the air as vapor, clouds, and precipitation (rain, snow and sleet).

The Earth's water constantly moves through a cycle of evaporation and transpiration (evapotranspiration), precipitation, and runoff, usually reaching the sea. Over land, evaporation and transpiration contribute to the precipitation over land - thus deforestation and other changes to land can have wide and long-lasting effects through their impact on the water cycle.

Some observers estimate that by 2025, more than half of the world population will be vulnerable to a lack of water. Appropriate water supply and water purification technologies can help.

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External links[edit | edit source]

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Created July 19, 2006 by Chris Watkins
Last modified March 1, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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