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Freshwater Bodies

Where is fresh water found?

Goal:

Goal:

Two Jack Lake, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Wing-Chi PoonMost of Earth's water is salt water, which is found in the ocean. Fresh water makes up only a small percentage of Earth's water, and it is found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and bays. Compare and contrast the different types of freshwater bodies:

Rivers start as little streams in the mountains or on hills. They flow toward lower levels, where they are joined by other streams, making them wider and deeper. When the stream gets big enough, it is called a river. Usually, a river ends up flowing into the ocean.

Lakes are large bodies of water that are standing, meaning they don't move the way rivers do. However, lakes do have streams that empty into them.

Ponds are small, shallow lakes. Ponds are usually less than 15 feet deep, and they are filled with plant and animal life. Because ponds are shallow, the sun's light and warmth can reach all the way to the bottom.

Bays are bodies of water that are partly enclosed by land. A bay has an opening to the ocean or another large body of water.