A World of Ice and Water

Water is found in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water exists as solid ice and in liquid form. 

---

Water is everywhere. A large part of the Earth is covered by it. It can be found in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Why do you think water is so important? We often think of water as a liquid. Is that always the case?

 

[Figure 3]

 

---

Rivers carry water from one place to another. Some rivers are very long. They carry water a very long way. They are in areas that are hot, like the desert. They are in areas that are cold. Rivers can be used for transportation. They are like highways of water. They are very important to our economy.

 

[Figure 6]

---

 

Rivers can freeze in the winter. In some places they can be driven on. When ships cannot sail, rivers become highways for trucks. In some northern regions, using frozen rivers as highways is essential. Once the ice melts, the job of transportation is left to ships.

 

 

[Figure 8]

 

---

Small areas of water are called lakes or ponds. A pond is a small lake. The water in a lake is mostly stationary. Some lakes are made by people. Other lakes are natural. They can serve many purposes. They hold water for us to drink. They can supply us with food. We can use them for recreation. Other lakes catch the water that runs off of places. They can prevent flooding and also keep our rivers clean.

 

[Figure 10]

 

[Figure 11]

 

---

Farmers use a lot of water. They water their crops. Their animals drink the water. Water is essential to life. Much of our fruit and vegetables are grown in California. California has rich soils and a great climate for growing crops. Unfortunately, California is a desert. Farmers there rely on a lot of irrigation to water their crops.

[Figure 13]

---

The water in lakes and rivers is usually fresh water. Fresh water means it does not have salt. We can drink fresh water. Do you know why it is important to keep our lakes and rivers clean?

Oceans hold a lot of water. Most of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. It is home to many plants and animals. Just like on land, it has places that are very warm. It also has places that are very cold. All these places have life.

The oceans are filled with salt water. Unlike fresh water, we cannot drink it. Some animals have adapted to live in it. Can you name some creatures that live in oceans?

 

---

There are areas in the oceans that are cold. Some animals and plants have adapted to life in, or around, the cold water. Some parts of the ocean freeze. Some creatures live on the ice. The Arctic Ocean freezes in the winter.

 

[Figure 18]

---

There are many fish in the cold water. Many creatures go to these water to feed on them. Some whales come from Hawaii to feast. People too find food in these frigid waters.

 

[Figure 20]

---

The oceans, like rivers, are used to transport things. People get our food from the oceans. People also use it for recreation. Many creatures call the oceans their home. Why do we need to protect the oceans?

---