The Hydrosphere: Distribution, Water Cycle, and Properties

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is salt water?

Back

About 97% of Earth's water is salt water found in the oceans.

Front

Where is the majority of fresh water on Earth found?

Back

The majority of fresh water on Earth is found in ice caps and glaciers.

Front

What are the three states of water found on Earth?

Back

Water can be found in three states: water vapor (gas), liquid water, and ice (solid).

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of water vapor.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is the water that is found beneath the Earth's surface, stored in aquifers.

Front

Which type of substances are least likely to dissolve in water?

Back

Nonpolar fats and oils are least likely to dissolve in water.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, including processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.