How Many Percent of Water Has Been Explored?
The vastness of the Earth’s water bodies has always fascinated humanity. With oceans covering more than 70% of the planet’s surface, lakes, rivers, and glaciers add to the grand total. However, the question of how much of this water has been explored remains a topic of intrigue and curiosity. So, how many percent of water has been explored?
Exploration Efforts and Challenges
Exploration of water bodies, especially the oceans, presents numerous challenges. The deep sea is a harsh environment, characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, and a lack of sunlight. These conditions make it difficult for humans to venture into these depths. Despite these challenges, various efforts have been made to explore the world’s water bodies.
Ocean Exploration
The ocean remains the least explored part of the Earth. According to estimates, only about 5% of the ocean has been explored. This means that a vast majority of the ocean’s depths remain a mystery. However, some notable advancements have been made in recent years. Submersibles, such as the Deepsea Challenger, have allowed scientists to reach the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, at a depth of about 36,000 feet (11,000 meters).
Marine Life and Resources
One of the primary reasons for exploring the ocean is to understand its marine life and resources. The ocean is home to millions of species, many of which are yet to be discovered. Additionally, the ocean is a significant source of food, energy, and minerals. By exploring the ocean, scientists hope to uncover new species, potential cures for diseases, and valuable resources.
Lake and River Exploration
In contrast to the ocean, lakes and rivers have been more extensively explored. Approximately 80% of the world’s lakes and rivers have been mapped and studied. This is due to the relative ease of accessing these water bodies compared to the ocean. However, there are still many unexplored areas, especially in remote and mountainous regions.
Glacier Exploration
Glaciers, which are vast bodies of ice, have also been partially explored. About 50% of the world’s glaciers have been mapped and studied. This exploration has provided valuable insights into climate change and the melting of glaciers. However, there are still many uncharted glaciers, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the percentage of water that has been explored varies significantly depending on the type of water body. While only about 5% of the ocean has been explored, lakes, rivers, and glaciers have seen more extensive exploration. Despite the progress made, there is still much to discover in the world’s water bodies. As technology advances and human curiosity continues to grow, we can expect further exploration and a deeper understanding of the Earth’s water resources.
