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

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Back

Approximately 3% of Earth's water is freshwater.

Front

Where is most of Earth's freshwater located?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is found in glaciers and ice caps, which account for about 68.7% of the total freshwater.

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 (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 role does water vapor play in weather?

Back

Water vapor is crucial for weather and climate as it forms clouds and precipitation, influencing temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, and it is a significant source of freshwater for human use.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor through pores in leaves.

Front

How does ice affect freshwater availability?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is frozen in glaciers and ice caps, making it inaccessible for immediate human use.