The Hydrosphere
All the water on, under, or above the Earth's surface.
What is the hydrosphere?
What is the main source of energy that drives the water cycle?
The Sun
What are Earth's four main spheres?
Hydrosphere, Geosphere, Atmosphere Biosphere
The addition of harmful materials to Earth's water, air, or land.
What is pollution?
What is the continuous movement of water through Earth's systems called?
The water cycle
What percentage of Earth's water is saltwater.
About 97%
What is the process where liquid water changes into vapor?
Evaporation
When rainwater erodes a mountain, which two spheres are interacting?
The hydrosphere and geosphere
How can humans conserve water at home?
Turn off faucets, take shorter showers, fix leaks, etc.
What role does the Sun play in the hydrosphere?
It provides heat energy for evaporation. (FREE POINT)
What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
About 3%
What is the process where water vapor cools and forms clouds?
Condensation
When animals drink water, which two spheres are interacting?
The hydrosphere and biosphere
How does deforestation affect the water cycle?
It reduces evaporation and rainfall. (FREE POINT)
What do we call the water stored underground in rocks and soil?
Groundwater
Name two places where freshwater is located.
Glaciers and groundwater (aquifers).
What do we call water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail?
When water vapor rises into the air, which two type of spheres are interacting?
The hydrosphere and atmosphere
Why is groundwater pollution hard to clean up?
It spreads slowly underground and is difficult to reach. (FREE POINT)
What process forms clouds in the atmosphere?
Condensation
How does the hydrosphere interact with the geosphere?
Water shapes landforms through erosion, weathering, and deposition.
What is it called when water collects in oceans, rivers, and lakes?
Collection
Explain how the hydrosphere connects to all other spheres.
It supports life (biosphere), shapes land (geosphere), and drives weather (atmosphere).
Give one example of how humans can help protect the hydrosphere.
Reduce pollution, clean up litter, protect wetlands, conserve water.
Why is the water cycle important to life on Earth?
It provides fresh water for plants, animals, and humans.