Convert Gigaliter (GL) to Stere (st (vol)) instantly.
About these units
Gigaliter (GL)
A gigaliter equals one billion liters or one million cubic meters. It is widely used when discussing very large natural or artificial water systems. Countries quantify national water reserves, lake capacities, and large-scale water transfers in gigaliters. For example, major reservoirs, such as those used for hydroelectric power generation, often have volumes in the tens of gigaliters. Environmental scientists use GL to describe groundwater extraction, rainfall totals across large regions, and freshwater availability. The GL helps quantify planetary-scale hydrological processes in a manageable numerical range.
Stere (st (vol))
A stere is exactly 1 cubic meter, but with a particular association: it was defined specifically for measuring stacked firewood. Logs are irregular, so the stere measures the approximate space that a cubic meter of stacked wood occupies (including air gaps). The stere is still used in France and some other European regions as part of forestry traditions. Firewood sales often use the stere to maintain consistency with historical practices. The stere's survival shows how volume measurement often reflects cultural and economic tradition rather than purely scientific convenience, especially in long-standing industries like wood harvesting.