8.E.1.1 Water Distribution

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force between liquid molecules at the surface of a liquid, which allows some objects to float on the surface without sinking.

Front

Why can water striders walk on water?

Back

Water striders can walk on water because they are light enough not to break the surface tension.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet.

Front

How does the water cycle affect the hydrosphere?

Back

The water cycle maintains the total amount of water in the hydrosphere, changing its form between liquid, vapor, and ice.

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common outlet, such as a river or lake.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Back

Only about 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater.

Front

Where is most of Earth's freshwater located?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is stored in ice caps and glaciers.

Front

What is the importance of water quality in an ecosystem?

Back

Water quality is crucial for the health of an ecosystem, affecting the survival of plants and animals.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.