Exploring the Hydrosphere

This lecture introduces the hydrosphere, a closed system comprising oceans, lakes, streams, underground water, and glaciers. It explains the distribution of Earth's water, highlighting that 97% is saline and only 3% is fresh. The water cycle, a continuous process with no start or end, is detailed, covering components like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. The lecture also discusses water storage in ice, snow, and groundwater, and the movement of water through processes like infiltration and surface runoff.

What is the hydrosphere composed of?

• Oceans, lakes, streams, underground water, and glaciers

• Only oceans and lakes

• Rivers and streams only

• Only underground water and glaciers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Why is water considered crucial for life on Earth?

• It is used for recreational activities

• It is the primary source of food

• It regulates environmental processes and supports life

• It is the main source of oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

• 50%

• 10%

• 97%

• 3%

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Where is the majority of Earth's freshwater stored?

• In ice caps and glaciers

• In rivers

• In the atmosphere

• In lakes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the hydrologic cycle?

• The process of water turning into soil

• The process of water being created and destroyed

• The cycle of water being used by humans

• The movement and existence of water on, in, and above the Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the primary way that liquid water moves back to the atmosphere?

• Condensation

• Infiltration

• Precipitation

• Evaporation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is sublimation in the context of the water cycle?

• The process of water vapor turning into liquid water

• The process of water turning into ice

• The changing of snow or ice directly to water vapor without melting

• The movement of water through soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is transpiration?

• The movement of water through a natural channel

• The storage of water in ice and snow

• The release of water from plants through tiny pores in their leaves

• The process of water vapor turning into liquid water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is condensation responsible for?

• The formation of clouds and ground-level fog

• The storage of water in oceans

• The melting of ice caps

• The movement of water through soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is surface runoff?

• The movement of water through a natural channel

• The storage of water in ice and snow

• Precipitation runoff that travels over the soil surface to the nearest stream channel

• The process of water vapor turning into liquid water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4