Earth's Spheres

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is found in the spaces between sediments and rock beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the water table?

Back

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil or rock is fully saturated with water.

Front

What are the four interconnected systems of the Earth?

Back

The four interconnected systems of the Earth are the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Front

What is the cryosphere?

Back

The cryosphere refers to the frozen water part of the Earth system, including ice caps, glaciers, and permafrost.

Front

What are the six major ions found in ocean water?

Back

The six major ions in ocean water are sodium, chloride, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Front

How does groundwater form?

Back

Groundwater forms primarily as a result of precipitation that infiltrates the ground.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the biosphere?

Back

The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for life and weather patterns.

Front

What is permafrost?

Back

Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that occurs in polar regions and high altitudes.