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, glaciers, and groundwater.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

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3% of Earth's water is freshwater.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is a mid-ocean ridge?

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A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at a divergent boundary where tectonic plates pull apart.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What causes ocean tides?

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Ocean tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

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What is an abyssal plain?

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An abyssal plain is a flat area on the ocean floor where sediments settle, typically found at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

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What is the main source of Earth's water?

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The main source of Earth's water is the oceans, which contain about 97% of all water on Earth.

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What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater?

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Freshwater has a low concentration of salt (less than 1%), while saltwater has a high concentration of salt, primarily found in oceans.

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What are ocean currents?

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Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity differences.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is a volcanic island?

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A volcanic island is an island formed by volcanic activity, typically arising from the ocean floor due to eruptions.

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What is a continental slope?

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A continental slope is the steeply sloping area between the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor.