Hydrosphere 1.1

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, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

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, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the concentration of salts in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

Front

How does salinity affect aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Increased salinity can lead to a decrease in the number of salt-intolerant organisms and an increase in salt-tolerant organisms, altering the ecosystem.

Front

Where is most of Earth's freshwater found?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is found in ice caps and glaciers, primarily in Antarctica and Greenland.

Front

What role do lakes play in the hydrosphere?

Back

Lakes serve as important freshwater resources, habitats for wildlife, and play a role in the local water cycle by storing and releasing water.