Geography: Seas, Oceans, Rivers, and Lakes

Study Notes

Seas and Oceans

Seas and Oceans are parts of the ocean basin often enclosed by land.
They vary in depth due to the continental shelf.
The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean, with open and extensive areas.
Ocean water is typically clear.

Ocean Features

The Atlantic, Indian, Antarctic, and Arctic are major oceans.
Ocean temperatures range from 27°C to 0°C or -5°C.
The density of the ocean is high.

Rivers

Rivers are natural, permanent streams of freshwater with distinct courses.
They are formed in mountainous regions by collecting rain, snow melt, or groundwater.
Rivers originating from springs are called "freáticos"
Those formed from melting glaciers are "glacial."
"Lacustrine" rivers are formed when a lake drains.
"Mixed" rivers combine rainwater and glacier melt.
Rivers that flow into other water sources are called "open."
Rivers that do not exit into other water sources are called "closed."

Lakes

Lakes are relatively large bodies of water surrounded primarily by land.
Lakes are fed by freshwater streams, rain, or groundwater.
Lakes fed by groundwater sources are called "freático."
Those formed from melting glaciers are "glacial."
"Lacustrine" lakes drain into other lakes or rivers.
"Mixed" lakes are a combination of both types of sources.
Lakes are typically surrounded by land.

Open Reservoirs

Directly connected to rivers or other water bodies
Typically freshwater

Cerrodos Reservoirs

Brackish lagoons
Water evaporation leaves behind salts

Reception Reservoirs

Receive and discharge water to or from rivers

Transmission Reservoirs

Transport water

Emission Reservoirs

Release water

Tectonic Reservoirs

Created by fractures and depressions in the earth's crust

Volcanic Reservoirs

Formed when water accumulates in craters

Glacial Reservoirs

Formed in depressions carved out by glaciers

Karst Reservoirs

Formed by the collapse of the ground above underground rivers
Large reservoirs in karst regions

Cenotes

Formed by saturation and erosion due to water

Oasis

Natural water accumulation due to precipitation or water flow

Artificial Reservoirs

Created by human intervention

Residual Reservoirs

Formed by remaining portions of ancient seas
Formed by external forces like meteorites

Detritic Reservoirs

Created from rock fragments like sand, gravel, and conglomerates

Description

Explore the diverse features of seas, oceans, rivers, and lakes in this quiz. Understand the characteristics of different water bodies and their impact on the environment. Test your knowledge on the depths, temperatures, and formations of these essential components of our planet's hydrosphere.