The Hydrosphere

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, glaciers, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Back

Plants take in water through their roots and give off water vapor by transpiration.

Front

Where is most of Earth's fresh water found?

Back

Most of Earth's fresh water is found in glaciers and underground.

Front

What is the Great Divide?

Back

The Great Divide is the invisible line that runs through the Rocky Mountains, marking the boundary between watersheds that flow into the Pacific Ocean and those that flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

Front

What are the main components of the water cycle?

Back

The main components of the water cycle include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor through pores in leaves.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What drives the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.