Bodies of Water
About 71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Bodies of water are stagnant or moving water accumulations on the earth’s surface. They come in various sizes and shapes ranging from small ponds to vast oceans.
In this particular article, we will focus on its types, characteristics, and importance along with some examples.
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Bodies of Water – Types
Water Bodies |
Characteristics |
Ocean |
These are the largest bodies of saltwater on Earth |
Seas |
Seas are partially enclosed with land and are smaller than oceans. |
Lakes |
Lakes are large water bodies of freshwater surrounded by land. |
Rivers |
Rivers are flowing water bodies that originate from other sources. |
Ponds |
Ponds are smaller water bodies than lakes and most of them are human–made. |
Estuaries |
The freshwater from the rivers and the saltwater from the oceans combine to form estuaries which are semi-enclosed water bodies. |
Bays and Gulfs |
These are large indentations of coastline, typically with wide mouth opening into the ocean |
Strait |
Straits are narrow waterways connecting two large water bodies |
Lagoons |
Lagoons are shallow water bodies separated from larger water bodies |
Oceans: The Vast Blue Expanse
Oceans cover over 70 percent of our earth’s surface, making it the largest body of water on our planet. They are very important in regulating the earth’s climate and supporting biodiversity. The planet has one large ocean but according to oceanographers, the world is divided into four distinct regions, the Pacific, Atlantic, India, and Arctic Ocean.
The Five Majestic Oceans
The world’s oceans are not only just vast expanses of water and surfaces but are dynamic ecosystems with their characteristics.
Ocean |
Characteristics |
Pacific Ocean |
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Atlantic Ocean |
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Indian Ocean |
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Southern Ocean |
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Arctic Ocean |
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Seasalt water: The Hydrographic Expanse
The term “sea” generally refers to the large body of salt water, that is partially or completely surrounded by land. The only exception is the Sargasso Sea, which is defined only by ocean currents. Seas have their unique geographical features including coastlines, islands, and peninsulas.
Some Important Seas Of The World
Several seas around the world have their own historical, economic human-made, and cultural significance.
Sea |
Characteristics |
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Mediterranean Sea |
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Caribbean Sea |
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Arabian Sea |
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Red Sea |
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North Sea |
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Baltic Sea |
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Difference between Seas and Oceans
Aspect |
Oceans |
Seas |
---|---|---|
Depth |
They are the largest water body on the Earth, covering most of the planet’s surface |
They are smaller bodies of water, partially enclosed by land. |
Salinity |
They generally have consistent salinity levels, throughout vast expanses. |
Their salinity levels may vary depending on evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater inflow. |
Geographic Location |
They are found on a global scale with distinct boundaries. |
They are often found along coastlines. |
Currents and Circulations |
They generally have complex currents and circulation patterns. |
They may have currents but not as extensive or complex as ocean currents. |
Lakes – Inland Gems Of Nature
Lakes are a large body of water surrounded by land. Lakes are formed through various geological processes like tectonic activity, volcanic activity, and erosion.
Some Important Lakes
Lakes |
Characteristics |
---|---|
Lake Baikal (Russia) |
It is located in Siberia, Lake Baikal is one of the deepest and oldest freshwater lakes in the world. |
Lake Tanganyika |
It is situated in East Africa, Lake Tanganyika is the second deepest lake in the world and the longest freshwater lake in the world. |
Lake Victoria |
One of the African Great Lakes, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. |
Lake Titicaca |
It is found between the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America by volume and the highest navigable lake in the world. |
Crater Lake |
It is located in Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is renowned for its remarkably blue water. |
Rivers – Lifelines of the Land
Rivers are dynamic forces of nature carrying water from highlands to lowlands. Throughout history, rivers have been central to human civilization serving as a source of resources and livelihood.
Some Important Rivers
Rivers |
Characteristics |
---|---|
Nile River |
It is the longest river in the world, flowing northward through northeastern Africa. |
Amazon River |
It flows through the Amazon rainforest in South Africa and it is one of the largest rivers in the world. |
Yangtze River |
it is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing through central China. |
Ganges River |
It is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, flowing from Switzerland to the Netherlands. |
Ponds
Ponds are smaller water bodies than lakes with a surface area of less than 10 acres.
Some Important Ponds
Ponds |
Characteristics |
---|---|
Pondicherry Pond |
It is also known as Ousteri Lake, is a man-made reservoir located near Pondicherry. |
Mill Pond |
Mill Pond is a historic pond located in Cambridge, England, adjacent to the River Cam |
Benson Pond |
It is also known as Beaver Pond and is located within the Congaree National Park in South Carolina, USA. |
Shinji Pond |
It is the largest lake in Japan and is a brackish lake located in Shimane Prefecture of Japan |
Walden Pond |
It is located in Concord, Massachusetts, Walden Pond gained fame primarily due to the writings of Henry David Thoreau. |
Estuaries
The freshwater from the rivers and the saltwater from the oceans combine to form estuaries which are semi-enclosed water bodies. It is a vital transitional ecosystem where rivers meet the sea.
Some Important Estuaries
Estuaries |
Characteristics |
---|---|
Thames Estuary |
The Thames Estuary is the mouth of the River Thames in southeastern England, where it meets the North Sea. It includes the Thames Barrier, a flood defense system designed to protect London from tidal surges. |
Ganga Brahmaputra Delta |
It is one of the largest estuarines in the world and is formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. |
Tijuana River Estuary |
It is located on the border between California and Baja California, Mexico, the Tijuana River Estuary is an important coastal wetland and bird habitat. |
Swan River Estuary |
It is situated in Perth, Western Australia, the Swan River Estuary is an urban estuarine system that flows into the Indian Ocean. |
San Francisco Bay |
It is one of the largest estuaries on the West Coast of North America and is situated in Northern California Important Estuaries |
Bay and Gulf
These are large indentations of coastline, typically with wide mouth opening into the ocean.
Gulf |
Bay |
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Some Important Gulfs
Gulfs |
Characteristics |
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Gulf of Mexico |
It is one of the largest gulfs in the world, located between the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. |
Persian Gulf |
It is situated between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf is an important geopolitical and economic region, known for its oil reserves. |
Gulf of Guinea |
The Gulf of Guinea extends from Guinea to Angola, located along the western coast of Africa. |
Gulf of Alaska |
It is located off the southern coast of Alaska, this gulf is known for its rugged coastline and abundant marine wildlife. |
Some Important Bays
Bays |
Characteristics |
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San Francisco Bay |
It is a large, shallow estuary, located along the coast of northern California. It is known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz Island. |
Hudson Bay |
It is one of the largest bays in the world, located in northeastern Canada. |
Bay of Bengal |
It is situated in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. |
Guantanamo Bay |
It is a deep-water bay known for its controversial U.S. naval base, located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. |
Straits
Straits are narrow waterways connecting two large water bodies. They are vital for maritime transportation, providing shorter routes between larger bodies of water.
Some Important Straits
Straits |
Characteristics |
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Strait of Hormuz |
It is located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, making it one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. |
Strait of Malacca |
It is one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world, located between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Island. It also connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. |
Bosphorus trait |
It is located in Turkey and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It is a key passage for Russian oil exports. |
Taiwan Strait |
It separates the island of Taiwan from mainland China and connects the East China Sea to the South China Sea. |
Lagoons
Lagoons are shallow water bodies separated from larger water bodies. It acts as a natural buffer against coastal storms, helping to protect inland areas from erosion, flooding, and wave damage.
Some Important Lagoons
Lagoons |
Characteristics |
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Venice Lagoon |
It is one of the world’s most famous lagoons, located in northeastern Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Chilika Lake |
It is situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha and is the largest coastal lagoon in India. |
Laguna de Bay |
It is located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, the largest lake in the Philippines and one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. |
Lagoa dos Patos and Lagoa Mirim |
These two interconnected lagoons in southern Brazil, form the largest lagoon system in South America. |
Ria Formosa |
It is situated along the southern coast of Portugal and is a designated natural park. |
Conclusion
Hence, we can conclude that bodies of water play vital roles in shaping the Earth’s geography, supporting ecosystems, and sustaining human life. Understanding and protecting these bodies of water are essential for preserving Earth’s natural balance and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
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Bodies of Water – FAQS
What are the types of water bodies?
The types of water bodies are : Oceans, Seas, Rivers, Lakes, Ponds, Estuaries, Lagoons and Bays.
What are the biggest bodies of water called?
Oceans are the largest water bodies on earth followed by sea. Rivers and lakes are relatively small.
What are the main water bodies of India?
There are three large bodies of water that surround the Indian peninsula. On the South of India lies the Indian Ocean, on the Western Coast, it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, and on the Eastern coast lies the Bay of Bengal.
What is the second largest body of water?
Superior, one of the Great Lakes between the United States and Canada has the second largest surface area at 31,700 square miles.
Which is the largest lake in Asia?
The Caspian Lake is the largest lake of Asia.