Bodies of water: what are, types and examples

The bodies of water are water accumulations In the bark of the earth, being able to be surface waters and groundwater. They are presented in various shapes and sizes, they can be natural or artificial and are fundamental for life on our planet. Among the most common types of water bodies are oceans, rivers, lakes, seas and ponds.

The bodies of water They are essential for life and the planet. They are vital for ecosystems, since they provide habitats for a wide variety of species, regulate the climate and are a source of water for human consumption, agriculture and industry. In addition, they play an important role in the water cycle, helping processes such as evaporation and precipitation.

In these other articles we explain more about what surface waters are: definition and examples and what are groundwater.

There are various types of bodies of water, and each one has particular characteristics and functions

Oceans

They are the larger water bodies of the planet, dividing into five main: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic. Oceans not only cover the Most of the Earthbut they are also fundamental in the regulation of global climate, oxygen production and the maintenance of marine biodiversity.

Seas

The seas are Salted water bodies They are connected to the oceansbut they are smaller and are generally partially surrounded by land. Examples include the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea and the Baltic Sea. The seas also play a key role in the world economy, facilitating maritime trade and being important fishing areas.

In this link you can learn more about the difference between sea and ocean.

Rivers

Are fresh water currents that flow from elevated areas towards lower onesreaching larger bodies of water, such as oceans, seas or lakes. Rivers such as the Amazon, the Nile and the Mississippi are essential for transport, agriculture and as a source of drinking water for millions of people.

In these other ecology articles you can know these bodies of water better: parts of the river and their characteristics and the longest rivers in the world.

We also advise you to read about the lobal ecosystems: what are and examples, such as oceans, seas and rivers.

Lakes

They are bodies of fresh or salty water They are surrounded by land. They can be natural or artificial (Reservoirs). The lakes vary in size, from small bodies of water to large extensions such as the upper lake in North America or the Baikal Lake in Russia, which is the deepest lake in the world. Lakes are important for biodiversity, water supply and recess.

Here you can meet the largest lakes in the world and salty lakes: what are and examples.

Ponds

They are bodies of water smaller and less deep than lakes. They can form naturally or be created by man for specific uses, such as agriculture, fish breeding or simply as part of a decorative landscape. Despite their size, ponds can house a great diversity of aquatic life.

Lagoons

Although they are often used interchangeably, lagoons usually refer to bodies of water smaller than lakes And sometimes also more shallow. The coastal lagoons are common and connected to the ocean or the sea through small channels.

Learn more about the difference between lake and lagoon here. In addition, we recommend reading this other article about lentic ecosystems: what are and examples, such as lakes, ponds and lagoons.

Manantiales

Are Natural water sources that sprout from the ground and, often, form small bodies of water such as streams or ponds. Manantiales can be fresh or mineral water, and are valued by their purity.

Wetlands

They are areas where water covers the ground or is present near the surface for much of the year. Include Marshs, swamps and marshesand they are very rich in biodiversity. Wetlands are crucial for water filtration, flood protection and as a habitat for many species.

Learn more about wetlands: what are, types and characteristics with our article.

Aquifers

These bodies of water are underground geological formations that store waterallowing its circulation and extraction through wells or springs. They are fundamental for the supply of drinking water, agriculture and industry, especially in regions with few sources of surface water. In addition, they act as natural regulators, maintaining the balance of ecosystems and providing water during periods of drought.

In these other posts we explain more about what an aquifer is: definition and how it is formed and the types of aquifers.

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is The world’s largest water bodycovering more than 63 million square miles. It extends from the coast of North and South America to Asia and Australia. This ocean is crucial for marine biodiversity, houses the Great Barrier of Coral and is an important regulator of the global climate, influencing phenomena such as the boy and the girl.

Here we tell you why the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are not mixed.

Amazon river

The Amazonas River, located in South America, is THE MOST CAUDAL River in the world and one of the longest, with more than 7,000 kilometers long. It flows through the Amazon jungle, one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon is vital for the ecology of the region and is also a source of livelihood for millions of people living in its surroundings.

In this other post of our colleagues from Geo -Encyclopedia you can read about the Amazon River.

Victoria Lake

Lake Victoria is The largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world by area. It is located in the region of the great lakes, and its waters are shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenia. This lake is essential for fishing, transport and water supply in the region, although it faces environmental challenges such as pollution and invasion of non -native species.

Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is a Intercontinental Sea that connects Europe, Africa and Asia. It is known for its rich history and its importance in culture and trade since ancient times. The Mediterranean has a unique ecosystem due to its mixture of salt and sweet water, and is an important navigation route, in addition to being a very popular tourist destination.

We encourage you to meet the Mediterranean sharks and Mediterranean jellyfish.

Central Park pond

Central Park’s pond in New York is a small artificial water body located in the heart of the city. Although it is much smaller than other bodies of water mentioned, the pond is an example of how artificial water bodies can be integrated into urban areas to provide a recreational space and a habitat for local wildlife.

On our planet, most of the water is salty, while only a small fraction corresponds to fresh water. Approximately the 97.6% of the water on Earth is saltyand is found in oceans, seas and salty lakes. Although this represents an important source of water for the future, the process of desalination to make it suitable for consumption is very expensive, and there are only a few treatment plants in the world. We recommend you read about the distribution and dynamics of oceanic waters.

He 2.4% of the water on Earth is sweetbut only a small part is available for human use:

• 1.9% are in glaciers and polar caps.
• 0.5% is found in groundwater.
• Only 0.02% are in surface waters such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
• 0.01% is on the ground.
• 0.001% are in the atmosphere.
• A minimum percentage is in living beings.

Only 0.025% of the water on Earth is potable. Although access to drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental right, three out of ten people do not have access to drinking water, and six out of ten lack a safe sanitation. To guarantee these rights, services must be accessible, safe and culturally acceptable, but many people remain marginalized for reasons such as their sex, ethnicity, age, health or poverty. In this other article we expand the information about the shortage of water: what is, causes and consequences.

If you want to read more articles similar to Bodies of water: what are, types and exampleswe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.