Hydrosphere - Study Notes
Definition: The hydrosphere includes all water on Earth: oceans, seas, rivers, lakes,
groundwater, glaciers, ice caps, and water vapor.
Water Distribution: About 97% of Earth's water is salt water and about 3% is fresh
water. Most fresh water is stored in glaciers and groundwater.
Water Cycle: Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Runoff and Infiltration →
Collection.
Importance: Supports life, regulates climate, provides drinking water, enables
agriculture, transportation, and hydroelectric power.
Threats: Pollution, plastic waste, oil spills, industrial waste, and climate change.
Protection: Save water, reduce pollution, recycle, and protect rivers and oceans.
Review Questions:
1. What is the hydrosphere?
2. What percentage of Earth's water is fresh water?
3. Name the stages of the water cycle.
4. Why is the hydrosphere important?
5. List three causes of water pollution.
Definition: The hydrosphere includes all water on Earth: oceans, seas, rivers, lakes,
groundwater, glaciers, ice caps, and water vapor.
Water Distribution: About 97% of Earth's water is salt water and about 3% is fresh
water. Most fresh water is stored in glaciers and groundwater.
Water Cycle: Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Runoff and Infiltration →
Collection.
Importance: Supports life, regulates climate, provides drinking water, enables
agriculture, transportation, and hydroelectric power.
Threats: Pollution, plastic waste, oil spills, industrial waste, and climate change.
Protection: Save water, reduce pollution, recycle, and protect rivers and oceans.
Review Questions:
1. What is the hydrosphere?
2. What percentage of Earth's water is fresh water?
3. Name the stages of the water cycle.
4. Why is the hydrosphere important?
5. List three causes of water pollution.
