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, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is the flow of water that occurs when excess rainwater, meltwater, or other sources flows over the Earth's surface and returns to oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming tiny droplets.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is salt water?

Back

About 97% of all the water on Earth is in the form of salt water.

Front

Why does most evaporation occur in oceans?

Back

Most evaporation occurs in oceans because they are the largest bodies of water, providing a vast surface area for water to evaporate.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

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 is the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What role do oceans play in the water cycle?

Back

Oceans are crucial in the water cycle as they store the majority of Earth's water and are the primary source of evaporation.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants' roots and then released as water vapor through pores in their leaves.