What do graphs and maps showing fresh and saltwater distribution help us understand?

Graphs and maps that display the distribution of fresh and saltwater are crucial for understanding the nature of Earth's land features and water resources. By illustrating where various bodies of water exist—such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and wetlands—these maps give insight into the extent and availability of freshwater supplies in relation to saltwater sources. This understanding is vital for water resource management, agriculture, urban planning, and conservation efforts.

The distribution of fresh and saltwater also reflects geological and hydrological processes that shape the Earth's surface. Regions with significant freshwater, for instance, may be indicative of certain geological formations, such as aquifers or river basins. By examining these distributions, it is possible to assess the relationship between land features and the availability of crucial water resources.

In addition to highlighting freshwater and saltwater locations, these graphical representations can also signal underlying patterns that involve ecological habitats and species distributions; therefore, they serve a multi-faceted role in environmental science.