Kokonaisvesimäärä

Kokonaisvesimäärä refers to the total volume of water present on, in, and above the Earth. This includes all water in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice caps, glaciers, and in the atmosphere as vapor and clouds. The vast majority of Earth's water, about 97%, is saltwater found in oceans. Only about 3% is freshwater.

Of the freshwater, over two-thirds is locked up in ice caps and glaciers. The remaining freshwater is found in groundwater, lakes, rivers, and soil moisture. The distribution of this kokonaisvesimäärä is not uniform across the globe, leading to significant regional variations in water availability.

The water cycle, a continuous process of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and collection, constantly moves and recycles water within this kokonaisvesimäärä. While the total amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant, its form and location change. Understanding kokonaisvesimäärä and its distribution is crucial for managing water resources, addressing climate change impacts, and ensuring sustainable development. Changes in global temperature can affect the kokonaisvesimäärä by influencing evaporation rates and the melting of ice bodies.