NEW
Font size
S
M
L
XL
WorksheetsHydrosphere and Distribution of Water
Total questions: 25
Worksheet time: 13mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Which describes the hydrosphere?
a)
all of Earth's organisms and the environments in which they live
b)
a layer of Earth's atmosphere made up primarily of concentrated ozon
c)
all of the water in Earth's oceans, lakes, seas, rivers, and glaciers, plus the water in the atmosphere
2.
Which best describes the importance of an aquifer?
a)
it holds uncontaminated ground water for human consumption
b)
it supplies all water for lakes and rivers
c)
it provides water for oceans
3.
Which is the best estimate of how much of Earth's saltwater is contained in the given ecosystem?
a)
aquatic ecosystem, 25%
b)
swamp ecosystem, 50%
c)
marine ecosystem, 75%
4.
Which is an area of land that drains to one place?
a)
river
b)
aquifer
c)
watershed
d)
reservoir
5.
Which best describes the process by which water from the oceans enters the atmosphere?
a)
infiltration
b)
precipitation
c)
evaporation
d)
condensation
6.
Approximately what percentage of the hydrosphere is represented by the oceans on Earth?
a)
30%
b)
70%
c)
87%
d)
97%
7.
Of the 74% of Earth's surface that is coveredin water, which contains the most water?
a)
lakes
b)
rivers
c)
oceans
d)
streams
8.
Which is the majority of Earth's freshwater found?
a)
polar ice caps
b)
rivers
c)
ponds
d)
lakes
9.
Which is most likely the largest contributor to a decrease in NC water availability?
a)
evaporation
b)
global warming
c)
increase in population
d)
expansion of agricultural areas
10.
Which best explains why freshwater in in such short supply?
a)
most of the freshwater is frozen in ice sheets
b)
most of the freshwater is trapped underground
c)
mos of the freshwater is cycling in the atmosphere
d)
most of the freshwater is in the bodies of plants and animals.
11.
Which represents the distribution of water on Earth?
a)
97% freshwater, 3% saltwater
b)
3% freshwater, 97% saltwater
c)
71% freshwater, 29% saltwater
d)
29% freshwater, 71% saltwater
12.
Which best explains why estuaries are productive ecosystems?
a)
they have high saltwater content
b)
they have high levels of dissolved gases
c)
they receive nutrients from both rivers and the ocean
d)
they receive chemicals from commercial and industrial runoff
13.
Which natural feature protects inland bodies of water from contamination by salt water?
a)
bog
b)
canyon
c)
estuary
d)
hydrothermal vent
14.
Why is freshwater in short supply on Earth?
a)
most of it is frozen
b)
most of it is polluted
c)
most of it is in the atmosphere
d)
most of it is trapped underground
15.
Which would result if annual rainfall amounts were reduced by 50%?
a)
a flood
b)
a surplus
c)
a drought
d)
a monsoon
16.
Which best describes a significant benefit estuaries have on the environment?
a)
wildlife helps protect the land from erosion in estuaries.
b)
fishing industries thrive in and around tropical estuaries
c)
pollution is moved from rivers to oceans through estuaries
d)
coastal wetland provide safe and ideal conditions to support life
17.
Which is true about most of the freshwater on Earth?
a)
it is abundant
b)
it is inaccessible
c)
it in underground
d)
it is in the atomosphere
18.
Which best explains why inhabitants of an estuary adapt to frequent environmental changes?
a)
estuaries receive little sunlight
b)
the water temperature is constantly warm
c)
the salinity of the water is constantly changing
d)
low levels of oxygen are absorbed by the water
19.
Which best compares the amount of water present on Earth today with the amount present millions of years ago?
a)
there is slightly more water on Earth today
b)
there is significantly less water on Earth today
c)
there is significantly more water on Earth today
d)
there is about the same amount of water on Earth today
20.
Which best explains how estuaries support plant and animal life?
a)
the dry land removes pollutants
b)
the water provides energy for growth
c)
the habitat areas provide nutrients and shelter
d)
the cold temperatures decrease dissolved oxygen
21.
Which is the source of most drinking water in NC?
a)
lakes
b)
rivers
c)
springs
d)
aquifers
22.
Why do gases rise in a marine environment?
a)
they are less dense than water
b)
they are more dense than water
c)
they are attracted to surface gases
d)
the force of gravity is not as strong underwater
23.
Where is most of Earth's available freshwater found?
a)
underground
b)
the atmosphere
c)
lakes and rivers
d)
ice caps and glaciers
24.
Mary poured 1,ooo mL of water into a beaker to represent all of the water of Earth. She then measures out 800 mL and puts it into another beaker. Which portion of Earth's water is most closely represented by the 800 mL?
a)
water in the ocean
b)
water in the ground
c)
water in lakes and rivers
d)
water trapped in polar ice caps
25.
Which is true about Earth' water distribution?
a)
about 70% found in rivers
b)
about 80% found in glaciers
c)
about 80% found in salt water
Reset
