Water & Watersheds
What is a watershed?
An area of land where water drains into a common body of water
Earth's rotation
What is water called because it dissolves many substances?
The universal solvent
What gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What variable is changed in an experiment?
Independent variable
What is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one called?
Tributary
What keeps planets in orbit?
Gravity
What happens to water at 0°C?
It freezes
What three factors affect weather?
Temperature, air pressure, water vapor
What variable is measured?
Dependent variable
Why are wetlands important?
They reduce flooding and provide habitats for organisms.
What is the main source of energy for earth?
The Sun
What happens to water at 100°C?
It boils
What is water vapor
Water in gas form
What tool and unit are used to measure mass?
Triple beam balance & grams
What is the largest estuary in the U.S.?
Chesapeake Bay
What causes seasons?
Earths tilt and orbit (Revolution)
Why does water help regulate temperature?
It has a high heat capacity
What type of energy drives weather?
Thermal energy from the Sun
What is a mean and how do you calculate it?
A mean is an average and it is calculated by adding the numbers and dividing by the amount of numbers
How do humans negatively impact watersheds?
Pollution, runoff, development, etc.
Why can earth support life?
Because it contains liquid water, an atmosphere, and it is at the correct temperature
Why does ice float?
It is less dense than liquid water
How does air pressure affect weather?
It influences wind and storm formation
Why are constants important in experiments?
They keep the testing fair