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, glaciers, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

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

Front

How does temperature affect water salinity?

Back

Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates, which can lead to higher salinity as the remaining water has a higher concentration of salts.

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 such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat.

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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.

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What role do reservoirs play in water management?

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Reservoirs store water for various uses, including drinking, irrigation, and flood control.

Front

Why is it important to conserve water?

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Conserving water helps ensure a sustainable supply for future generations, protects ecosystems, and reduces the energy required for water treatment and distribution.

Front

What happens to ocean levels when polar ice melts?

Back

When polar ice melts, ocean levels rise due to the addition of water from the ice.

Front

What is the impact of human activity on the hydrosphere?

Back

Human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and urbanization, can negatively impact water quality and availability.