Question

the diagram shows the distribution of total global water and freshwater on earth.
total global water
freshwater 2.5%
other saline water 0.9%
oceans 96.5%
freshwater
surface/other freshwater 1.2%
groundwater 30.1%
glaciers and ice caps 68.7%
what can be concluded from the diagram?
most of the freshwater on earth is in the oceans.
most of the water available on earth is freshwater.
most of the water available on earth is not drinkable.
most of the groundwater is in the form of salt water.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option against the diagram:

• Option 1: Oceans contain saltwater, not freshwater, so this is false.
• Option 2: Freshwater only makes up 2.5% of total global water, so most water is not freshwater, this is false.
• Option 3: Total non-drinkable water (oceans + other saline water) is $96.5\% + 0.9\% = 97.4\%$ of total global water, which is the vast majority, so this is true.
• Option 4: Groundwater is categorized under freshwater in the diagram, so it is not saltwater, this is false.

Answer:

Most of the water available on Earth is not drinkable.