Water Distribution and Water Cycle

Why would a community that has suffered a drought hope for lots of snow over the winter?

• Snow will prevent the wells from pumping air into the water lines'
• When the snow melts, it will replenish the underground water levels.
• People need less water because snow causes colder temperatures outside. 
• People can collect the snow, melt and purify it, and use the water in their homes.

Which is the primary source of freshwater in the hydrosphere?

• Glaciers and ice caps
• Lakes

Where is MOST of Earth's available freshwater stored?

• the atmosphere
• underground
• lakes and rivers
• ice caps and glaciers

Which do humans most often use as a source of drinking water?

• Oceans
• Rivers
• Estuaries
• Ponds

Which BEST describes how the total amount of water present in the hydrosphere varies over time?

• The total amount of water in the hydrosphere decreases over time due to the process of evaporation.
• The total amount of water in the hydrosphere remains the same over time, but changes form due to the water cycle.
• The total amount of water in the hydrosphere increases over time due to the process of precipitation.
• The total amount of water in the hydrosphere both decreases and increases over time due to competing processes such as evaporation and precipitation.

Which resource takes up 97% of the Hydrosphere?

• Oceans and Seas
• ice glaciers
• lakes
• atmosphere

Which represents the distribution of water on Earth?

• 3% freshwater, 97% salt water
• 97% freshwater, 3% salt water
• 71% freshwater, 29% salt water
• 29% freshwater, 71% salt water

Approximately what percent of the Earth is covered by water?

• 70%
• 30%
• 50%
• 90%