Water has played a vital role in human history. Most early settlements were sited by sources of fresh water - especially in dry regions. Water has also been used for travel. The first water craft were built from logs, either hollowed out as canoes or lashed together as rafts, and enabled people to travel along rivers and even along coasts. This led to the earliest ocean crossings by the people who colonized Australia from Indonesia 50,000 years ago.

Watery world

Water and history

What is water?

Fresh and saltwater

Light, sound, and pressure

Oceans and seas

Ocean layers and currents

Waves and tides

Water and weather

The water cycle

Water and climate

Drought and flood

Erosion and weathering

Streams and rivers

Lakes and swamps

Hidden water

Frozen water

Water of life

Living in water

Roots and leaves

Living on dry land

Water in your body

Water and health

Water supply

Farms and factories

Fishing and fish farming

Water power

Water conflict

Water in the future

Access and consumption

Timeline

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Glossary

Index