The World's Surface Water: Precipitation, Evaporation and Runoff
The world's surface water is affected by different levels of precipitation, evaporation and runoff in different regions. This graphic illustrates the different rates at which these processes affect the major regions of the world, and the resulting uneven distribution of freshwater. It shows the amount of precipitation in cubic kilometres for each region, and the percentage of that amount which evaporates or becomes runoff. The text below the graphic discusses the uneven global availability of freshwater and its implications.
Year: 2005
From collection: Vital Water Graphics
Cartographer: Philippe Rekacewicz, Delphine Digout, UNEP/GRID-Arendal