Hydrosphere Vocabulary

Front

Specific Heat Capacity

Back

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Front

Cohesion

Back

The attraction between molecules of the same substance, such as water molecules sticking together.

Front

Adhesion

Back

The attraction between molecules of different substances, such as water molecules sticking to glass.

Front

Capillary Action

Back

The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often against gravity.

Front

Polarity of Water Molecules

Back

Water molecules have a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to hydrogen bonding.

Front

Thermocline

Back

A layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Front

Halocline

Back

A layer in a body of water where the salinity changes rapidly with depth.

Front

Evaporation

Back

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Front

Condensation

Back

The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.

Front

Salinity

Back

The concentration of salt in water, usually measured in parts per thousand.