WATER
There is water everywhere on Earth. Much of it is in the oceans and seas, but there is also water on land in rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. In cold places, it is frozen as ice and snow. Under the ground, there is water in soil and in the rocks below. In the air, it forms an invisible gas.
The Water Cycle
1) When the sun warms the oceans, water vapor rises into the air and forms clouds.
2) Wind blows the clouds over the land, where the water falls again as rain.
3) Rainwater drains through the ground into streams and rivers.
4) The rivers carry the water back to the oceans. The cycle begins again.
Valleys- Over millions of years, water has shaped the land. Rivers cut into the ground to make valleys.
Rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps are full of wildlife. In fast-flowing rivers, only strong swimmers can move against the powerful current. Where rivers flow more slowly, reeds and other plants can grow. Small mammals and birds catch fish and insects to eat.
Lakes and Marshes- Reeds, grasses, and other water plants can grow around lakes and in marshes. They provide food for many water ceatures.
Mud flats- where rivers meet the sea, there are often mud flats. Wading birds dig out shell fish, snails, and worms to eat.
