1. Covers the Earth:
About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 3% of it is freshwater.
2. Essential for Life:
Water is crucial for all known forms of life. Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water.
3. Universal solvent:
Water is known as the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, making it vital for transporting nutrients.
4. Exists in three states:
Water is unique in existing naturally on Earth as a liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor).
5. Human composition:
The human body is made up of around 60% water, playing a critical role in regulating body temperature and maintaining bodily functions.
6. High surface tension:
Water has a high surface tension, which allows insects like water striders to "walk" on its surface.
7. Expands when frozen:
Unlike most substances, water expands as it freezes, which makes ice less dense than liquid water and allows it to float.
8. Ocean depth:
The deepest known point in the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is over 10,000 meters (36,000 feet) deep, and it's entirely filled with water.
9. Recycling process:
Water is constantly recycled through the water cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
10. Rare but abundant:
While water is relatively rare in the universe, Earth's abundance of water is a key factor in its ability to support life.
Conclusion:
Water is not just a simple compound; it's a remarkable substance that sustains life, shapes our planet, and defies some of the usual norms of matter. Its unique properties make it indispensable for ecosystems, human survival, and scientific exploration. Protecting and conserving water is vital for a thriving future.
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