How much of Earth's water is stored in the polar ice sheets

Polar ice holds more water than groundwater, lakes and rivers combined

Earth’s large polar ice sheets contain more water than all of its groundwater, lakes, rivers, and atmospheric water combined.

Bioluminescence becomes much more common in the deep ocean

2.5% near coasts vs 76% in the deep eastern Pacific

Only about 2.5% of organisms in coastal ocean habitats are estimated to make their own light. In the deep eastern Pacific, about 76% of the main animal groups include light-producing species.

Viruses can kill bacteria and feed other life

Some viruses in water infect bacteria and break the cells open. The material released from the dead bacteria becomes food and nutrients for other bacteria and algae. Viruses can therefore help recycle material through aquatic ecosystems.

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How much of Earth's water is stored in the polar ice sheets

Polar ice holds more water than groundwater, lakes and rivers combined

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