Earth

Quarter 1 – Module 6
Science
EARTH’S
WATER
OBJECTIVE/S:

1.describe how water is distributed on Earth;

2.identify the various water resources on
Earth; and
3.explain how different activities affect the
quality and availability of water for human
use.
 What’s In

Study Earth’s graphic drawing then

create your own or a caricature of
Earth’s call/message to sustain life.
Use any material available you prefer.
Write down your observations and
thoughts on a separate piece of paper.
Guide questions:
1.What message does it likely express?
2.What is the Earth’s present
situation?
3.If you were Earth, what would you
ask from humans to keep you healthy
and habitable?
How does the Earth support life?

Water (H2O) is made of two atoms of hydrogen and

one atom of oxygen bonded together. It has the
capability to dissolve more substances than any other
liquid that made it the “universal solvent”. This means
that wherever there is water, either through the air,
the ground, or through our bodies, it takes along
valuable chemicals, minerals, and nutrients that plays
a vital role in all living organisms. These makes water
vital element needed in our daily activities as a living
being. Water is not just essential to our health but also
for numerous household tasks like cooking, bathing,
drinking, and cleaning. The abundance of water in
Earth is also observable even in space.
 Distribution of the Earth’s
water

Figure 2. Global Distribution of the Earth’s water

(Teaching Guide for Senior High School Earth Science Core Subject)
Humans needed to manage properly the
freshwater the world has. Figure 2 shows from
the 2.5% freshwater glaciers makes up 68.7%
which humans have less or no access to it and
the 30.1% groundwater needed to be extracted
first that leaves less 1% that can be used readily.
Therefore, humans rely on surface water and
groundwater for domestic, agricultural, and
 Ask your grandmothers
or any of your family
members if they drink
water directly from deep
wells, rivers, and streams
10-20 years ago? How
about you now? In my
childhood days we make
shallow wells along the
Guadalupe, Cebu City
riverbank for drinking
and laundry. Is it still
possible today? Study
Figure 4 to point out the Figure 3. Usage of groundwater
(Teaching Guide for Senior High School Earth Science Core
main components of Subject)
 Sources of water on
Earth

The supply of water is being replenished by the continuous

movement of water on, above and below the surface of the
Earth known as water cycle as shown in figure 4 with the
principal natural
components’ precipitation, infiltration into
the soil, runoff on the surface, groundwater
discharge to surface waters and the oceans,
and evapotranspiration from water bodies,
the soil, and plants.

This is how the water underground is

refilled if the infiltration of precipitation
restores the aquifer, the groundwater is
considered “renewable” when refilled
either very slowly or not at all it is known as
“non-renewable”.
Water use and consumption
In water cycle, water turns to gaseous form
when the temperature increases then goes back
as rain, snow, or hail through precipitation. The
rainwater enters
lakes, rivers, and groundwater – “blue water”
while “green water” is the amount of rainfall
either captured by vegetation or enters the soil
and absorbed by plants for photosynthetic
activity that goes back to the atmosphere through
evapotranspiration.
Figure 5. Virtual water and water footprints
concept
 The virtual water in figure 5 is the amount of water to
produce different goods and services, its concept
improves the managing of the available water in semi –
arid and arid areas.
Based on Figure 5 can you tell the difference between
“gray water” and “black water”? Both waters are used
domestically and industrially but black water must be
properly disposed while gray water when filtered well
can be recycled for watering plants. The water
footprint is a measure of humanity’s appropriation of
freshwater in volumes of water consumed and/or
polluted. It is the total consumption of water as
computed for the individual consumer, community,
nation, or business thus maintain the Earths’ water
availability.
 Water conservation and preservation campaign
program start to consider desalinating saltwater
to lessen shortages and growing water conflicts.
However, the energy and technology are both
expensive for water desalination to break the
strong chemical bonds of salt dissolved in water.

Most of the human activities are threats to the

quality and quantity of the Earths’ water system.
A few of these activities are as follows:
1.In farming, sewage runoffs from farms and
gardens may contain nitrogen and phosphorous
triggers uncontrolled plant growth. This will also
lead to bioaccumulation of toxic materials which
might be taken in by aquatic organisms that may
have an active effect once it enters circulation in
the food chain.

2.Improper waste disposal during industrial

production causes water pollution. The
dissolved oxygen in bodies of water decreases
which leads to low production of aquatic
resources.
3. The excessive water withdrawal reduces a
considerable amount of water supply
intended for public utility use.

4. The clearing of land to build roads and

other construction structures increase
surface runoff and cause landslides or flash
floods in sloping areas. This also leads to
low and slow infiltration in recharging
groundwater supply. In addition, the slow
infiltration of surface runoff water results to
flooding in low lying areas.
 What’s More

Instruction: Match the process to the identified numbers 1-6

indicated in figure 6 then provide correct answer to the
questions that follows. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

Process Numb
er
1. Evaporation
2. Deposition
3.
Liquefaction/melting
4. Condensation
5.
Solidification/freezing