What would it look like if all the water on Earth were gathered into a sphere? It would probably be smaller than you imagine.
The attached image shows a simulation by the U.S. Geological Survey that transforms all the water on Earth—including various water bodies, glaciers, water vapor, and all water present in soil and even within living organisms—into a sphere with a diameter of 1,680 kilometers and a volume of 1.362 billion cubic kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey explains that the sphere appears small because it is placed next to Earth for comparison.
According to one estimate, 97% of the Earth's water is in the ocean, and only 1% is freshwater, found in lakes, rivers, or underground.
British researchers recently mapped the total amount of groundwater in Africa and its potential extraction benefits, a study that could help improve access to clean drinking water for African populations. Estimates from scientists at the British Geological Survey and University College London suggest that Africa contains over 647,000 cubic kilometers of groundwater.
Beyond the research, experts also warn that the growing water shortage could lead to political instability in Africa and other regions. Former Ghanaian President John Kufuor pointed out, "In a water shortage situation, people will migrate anywhere. They will even go to war to obtain water resources."
Even the United States is not immune to the water shortage crisis. According to the U.S. EPA, by 2013, more than 36 states were expected to experience localized, regional, or statewide water shortages during the non-dry season.
Sources: Huff Post (PIDC Compilation) Attachment File:All the water in the world.doc
