Hydrosphere

Which best describes the role of the water cycle?

• circulates existing water on Earth

• reduces pollution in most of the water

• increases usable supply of Earth’s water

Which best describes the characteristics of a river basin?

• the land drained by a river and its tributaries

• the land formed when rivers create estuaries and marshes

• the land at the mouth of a river where water flows into the ocean

• the land formed as a result of a river flooding

This diagram shows the distribution of water on Earth. Which best describes the amount of frozen water on Earth?

• About 2% of Earth’s water is frozen.

• About 3% of Earth’s water is frozen.

• Exactly 0.9% of Earth’s water is frozen.

The diagram below shows the distribution of water on Earth. Where is most of the fresh surface water located on Earth?

• Ice caps

• Lakes

• Oceans

Which percentage represents the amount of Earth’s water that is found in oceans?

• 3%

• 71%

• 97%

Which will most likely result if there is increased upwelling in a coastal area?

• more aquatic life

• less nutrients in the water

• higher water temperatures

• fewer nitrates

In which oceanic zone do clams and crabs survive by burrowing in the sand?

• oceanic

• intertidal

• deep ocean

• open ocean

Which contributes most in supporting life on the deep ocean floor?

• cold water temperatures

• extreme water pressure

• hydrothermal vents

• lack of predators

Which hazard must submersible vehicles overcome while exploring and studying the deep ocean zone?

• high waves

• increased salinity

• high water pressure

• underwater mountain ranges

Which is the main source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean?

• underwater earthquakes

• decay of living organisms

• animals that live near the surface

• plants and algae that live near the surface