Correct option is A
About 97% of Earth's water is stored in the oceans. The remaining 3% of Earth's water is found in glaciers, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate and supporting marine life.
Freshwater Availability: Although 97% of Earth's water is in the oceans, only about 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater, which is essential for drinking, agriculture, and other uses.
Of this small amount of freshwater, the vast majority is locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving only a tiny fraction available in rivers, lakes, and groundwater for human use.
Oceans and Climate Regulation: The oceans play a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing and distributing heat. They act as a global heat reservoir and are responsible for much of the water cycle through processes like evaporation and precipitation.
Saltwater vs Freshwater: The water in the oceans is salty, with an average salinity of about 3.5%. Freshwater, on the other hand, is found in rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers, and is essential for human consumption and most ecosystems.
Rising Ocean Levels: The increase in global temperatures due to climate change has caused polar ice caps to melt, contributing to rising ocean levels. This affects coastal regions and can lead to flooding and the loss of land.
Water Scarcity: Despite the abundance of water on Earth, water scarcity remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world due to uneven distribution, overconsumption, and contamination of freshwater sources.