1. Global Water Distribution: The Reservoirs Earth’s water is constantly in motion, but at any given moment, the vast majority of it is stored in distinct reservoirs. Oceans (Saline): Contains 96.5% of all planetary water. Glaciers & Ice Caps (Fresh, Frozen): Contains 1.74% of total water; holds roughly 68.7% of all fresh water. Groundwater (Fresh & Saline): Contains 1.69% of total water; holds roughly 30.1% of all fresh water. Permafrost (Ground Ice): Contains 0.022% of total water. Atmosphere, Lakes, Rivers, and Biota (Fresh, Liquid/Vapor): Combined, these make up just under 0.015% of Earth's total water budget. 2. Upward Movement: Energy Input Processes The water cycle is an engine powered by two primary forces: solar radiation (which heats water and drives it upward) and gravity (which pulls it back down). The upward phase changes water from a liquid or solid into an atmospheric gas. A. Evaporation Evaporation occurs when solar energy heats the surface of liq...