Luonnonvesiä

Luonnonvesiä refers to naturally occurring bodies of water on Earth. This encompasses a wide range of aquatic environments, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and groundwater. These water bodies are essential components of the planet's ecosystems and play a crucial role in supporting life.

Oceans and seas are the largest natural water reservoirs, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface. They are interconnected and contain saltwater, supporting diverse marine life and influencing global climate patterns. Lakes are inland bodies of water, which can be freshwater or saltwater. They vary greatly in size, depth, and origin, from glacial lakes to volcanic crater lakes. Rivers and streams are flowing bodies of water that typically originate from higher elevations and flow towards larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans. They are vital for transporting water, nutrients, and sediments, and often serve as important habitats for freshwater species.

Groundwater refers to water held underground in the soil and pores and fissures in rock. It is a significant source of freshwater for human consumption and agriculture. Ponds are smaller, shallower bodies of still water, often rich in plant and animal life. All these natural water bodies are interconnected through the water cycle, a continuous process of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and surface runoff. The health and availability of luonnonvesiä are critical for biodiversity, human well-being, and the functioning of the planet.