Hydrosphere

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What is the hydrosphere?

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

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What is condensation?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is precipitation?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What is the hydrologic cycle?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is a reservoir?

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A reservoir is a large natural or artificial lake used to store water for human use, such as drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock layers, which can be accessed through wells.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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What is the role of the sun in the hydrologic cycle?

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The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the hydrologic cycle by transforming liquid water into vapor.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

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Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants from the soil and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the land and eventually returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4