Water that is visible, palpable, or otherwise present above the surface of the earth is referred to as surface water. Along with groundwater, glaciers and ice caps, atmospheric water, and soil moisture, it is one of the five different types of water reserves. Based on its sources and properties, surface water can be divided into five different types: rivers, lakes, wetlands, streams, and estuaries.
Large freshwater bodies that move from high elevations to low elevations are known as rivers. They are a key supply of freshwater for agriculture and human consumption and are produced by precipitation and snowmelt. However, depending on the area and season, rivers might be more or less permanent. Some rivers are permanent, which means they flow continuously, while others are intermittent or ephemeral, which means they only flow sometimes or after significant precipitation.
Large bodies of water that are encircled by land are called lakes. They are the result of natural processes like tectonic action, glaciation, or volcanic activity. Depending on a number of variables, including precipitation, evaporation, and human activity, lakes may be permanent or transient. While some lakes are man-made and can be drained or filled up to meet human needs, others are man-made and have existed for millions of years.
Wetlands are regions where water covers the soil, remains at the soil’s surface, or is present nearby for the majority of the year. They are crucial ecosystems that support a variety of plant and animal species. Depending on a number of variables, including precipitation, groundwater recharge, and human activity, wetland areas can be permanent or transient. Some wetlands are considered permanent and protected habitats, whilst others are seasonal and subject to drying up during droughts. Small waterways called streams empty into larger bodies of water like rivers and lakes. They are produced by rain and runoff and serve as vital habitats for many different plant and animal species. Depending on a number of variables, including precipitation, groundwater recharge, and human activity, streams may be permanent or transient. While some streams are perennial and run continuously, others are intermittent or ephemeral and only flow sometimes or after significant precipitation.
In estuaries, saltwater from the ocean and freshwater from rivers mingle. They are crucial ecosystems that support a variety of fish and bird species. Depending on a number of variables, including tide patterns, precipitation, and human activity, estuaries may be permanent or transient. While some estuaries are seasonal and can dry up during droughts, others are protected regions and are thought to be permanent.
In conclusion, a number of variables, including weather patterns, anthropogenic activity, and natural calamities, affect how permanent water reserves are. Based on its origins and features, surface water, one of the five different types of water reserves, can be divided into five different types: rivers, lakes, wetlands, streams, and estuaries. Depending on a number of variables, each of these types of surface water may be permanent or transient. In order to maintain water reserves for future generations, it is crucial to manage and protect them.