P2U2 04Consequences of Global Climate Change on the Hydrosphere

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere encompasses all the waters on the Earth's surface, including lakes, seas, oceans, and sometimes water over the Earth's surface like clouds.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is saltwater?

Back

About 97% of Earth's water is saltwater in the oceans.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Back

3% of Earth's water is freshwater, mostly stored as ice in glaciers.

Front

How does climate change affect the balance between water stored in oceans and ice?

Back

Increasing global temperatures cause ice in mountain glaciers and ice caps to melt, adding water to the oceans and causing sea levels to rise.

Front

What happens to ocean levels during colder periods like Ice Ages?

Back

Precipitation falls as snow and remains locked up as ice, leading to a drop in ocean levels.

Front

How much have sea levels risen since the Industrial Revolution?

Back

Sea levels have risen by approximately 20 cm since the Industrial Revolution.

Front

What is the projected sea level rise by 2100?

Back

Ocean levels may rise a further 1 meter by 2100 due to continued global temperature increases.

Front

What are the primary causes of rising sea levels?

Back

The melting of glaciers and ice caps, and the thermal expansion of ocean water (steric effect).

Front

What are the negative consequences of decreasing ice and rising sea levels?

Back

Coastal flooding, displacement of people, need for coastal protection, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.

Front

What are some examples of areas at risk of coastal flooding?

Back

The Maldives Islands and Bangladesh.