Which of the following is a major source of freshwater?

Rivers and lakes are significant sources of freshwater because they serve as natural reservoirs that store and supply water for various needs, including human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystems. Freshwater in rivers and lakes is replenished through precipitation, runoff, and inflow from groundwater, making them critical components of the hydrological cycle.

While oceans are the largest bodies of water on Earth, they contain saline water and are not suitable for drinking or most agricultural uses without desalination processes. Deserts, on the other hand, are characterized by low precipitation and limited water availability. Atmospheric moisture, although it contributes to precipitation, does not directly provide an accessible source of freshwater like rivers and lakes do, which can be directly utilized. Therefore, rivers and lakes are the primary sources of freshwater for many human and ecological purposes.