Water Distribution on Earth
About _______ % of Earth's surface is saltwater.
97% (97.4%)
____________________________ can be caused by burning fuels that mix with water in the clouds.
Acid rain
The shape of different landforms is often changed by __________________ water.
moving, flowing
What is the primary cause of erosion?
water
All of Earth's liquid and solid water make up the ________________?
hydrosphere
The hydrosphere covers about 71% of Earth. True or False
True
________________ water can harm living things.
Polluted
What are glaciers primarily made of?
ice
How do glaciers shape the land?
By carving valleys
True or False: Most of the freshwater on Earth is found underground. The rest is stored as surface water.
False. Most of the freshwater is trapped in ice caps and glaciers. The rest is stored underground or found in rivers and lakes.
Why is it important for humans to conserve freshwater?
There is very little freshwater on Earth (most of it is frozen or underground).
Why is it important to clean, conserve, and protect water?
Water is a limited resource. There is very little freshwater we can use safely.
True or False: A storm surge can occur when a tornado causes large waves in the ocean.
False-hurricanes occur in the ocean, not tornadoes
Slow-moving water has ____________ energy that fast-moving water.
less
Where does the water go when it evaporates from a puddle on the street?
It rises into the atmosphere as water vapor.
Name 3 sources of freshwater.
Possible answers:
rivers, lakes, aquifers, reservoirs, glaciers, ice caps
Name 3 different ways to conserve water.
Possible answers
shorter showers, water-conserving showerheads, turning off faucets, use a water-saving dishwasher/washing machine, run it only if it is full, fix leaky pipes or faucets, grow plants that don't need a lot of water, water plants when it's dark so water does not evaporate
What is the process that involves laying down sediment in new areas?
deposition
When water that is carrying sediment enters a larger body of water, the sediment is dropped, forming a triangular landform called a __________________.
delta
Why is groundwater important for living things to be able to use?
Groundwater is water that has seeped into the ground and is stored in the soil. The water can be absorbed by the roots of plants to survive and grow. Humans can pump water from this supply which is important because freshwater is limited on Earth.
How is building a dam one way to store water?
Dams are usually built on rivers. The dam stops the water so it accumulates behind it, which creates a large supply of water.
Describe how human activities can lead to water pollution.
Human activities can lead to water pollution when we use too many chemicals and waste. Those harmful substances can enter the water and pollute it.
Explain the importance of floodplains to agriculture.
After a flood, the soil on the sides of a river (the floodplain) get more nutrients from water. (The water carries sediments because of erosion and deposition.)The extra nutrients help plants grow.
When a rushing river runs out of a narrow canyon, it slows down and becomes shallower. Sediment is dropped, forming an _______________ ________.
alluvial fan
Think about the water cycle. How does evaporation lead to precipitation?
Water evaporates from Earth's surface. It forms a gas then that water vapor condenses around tiny dust particles and forms clouds. When enough water vapor is collected, it falls from the clouds to earth as precipitation (rain, sleet, hail, or snow).