Continental waters
Continental waters consist of water bodies like glaciers, rivers and lakes. Differently from seawaters, they are characterized by a low salinity and they move towards the sea because they are not too deep.
See the different landscapes that we can encounter when we have a walk on the beach, on the mountains or on the hills.
Glaciers form above the permanent snow line due to the accumulation of water at a solid state (snow that transforms into ice). The line varies according to the latitude on which continental glaciers (that uniformly cover wide areas) and mountain glaciers (that occupy mountain valleys) form. Below the permanent snow the ice melts and the water is present in a liquid state.
watercourses, streams and rivers collect the water that flows on the Earth’s surface and that is in continuous contact with groundwater
the lakes are temporary deposits of water on continental depressions. They are supplied with water by watercourses called tributaries. The water flows into the out-flowing streams, streams or rivers that originate from the lake. Lake water has a low salinity, but has plenty of suspended material, and its temperature depends on local climate conditions. Also the water of big lakes can move and originate variations called seiches, due to differences in atmospheric pressure.
Not all the water that comes back to the mainland through precipitations is collected by the rivers, lakes or trapped in glaciers. A part of it filters on the soil and goes down into it due to the force of gravity until it reaches a layer of waterproof rocks that stop the passage of water: a water-bearing stratum is created. When this condition does not occur, in order to reach the water-bearing stratum artesian wells are built and the water can be extracted as it reaches the surface after being subject to a high pressure.
The continuous exploitation of underground water determines the emptying of water-bearing stratums and lowering of soils. This occurs in Venice as a consequence of the extraction of water used for industrial aims in Marghera port area. Instead, when the exploitation occurs near coastal regions, the seawater filters underground to occupy the free spaces left by fresh water: this generates serious damages to agriculture and vegetation, as it is happening along Ravenna coast, where wide pinewood areas are dying.
Special reports
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
-
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
-
10 December 2019
In the fridge of the world
Antarctica is a continent with a very particular charm...
9 October 2018
The forms of water
Drinking a glass of water is the most simplest act in the world. Or rather, in this world. Very special…
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
-
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
From the Multimedia section
Facts
-
The “wave-swallowing” dragon
Wave Dragon, that swallows waves and generates electricity is a plant...
Sea in love
In Italy, the "mare in amore" phenomenon occurs very often: the part of the sea coast where this occurs is…
-
13 May 2011
Water in the human body
In some organisms, water can compose up to 90% of their total weight...
-
16 May 2011
The “wave-swallowing” dragon
Wave Dragon, that swallows waves and generates electricity is a plant...
-
13 May 2011
The most spectacular waterfalls
The highest waterfalls in the world are located in Venezuela...
11 May 2011
Sea in love
In Italy, the "mare in amore" phenomenon occurs very often: the part of the sea coast where this occurs is…
-
13 May 2011
Water in the human body
In some organisms, water can compose up to 90% of their total weight...