The Hydrosphere PDF

The Hydrosphere The hydrosphere includes all of Earth's water. The Hydrosphere Bodies of water are classified into either saltwater or freshwater, based on salinity. Saltwater Saltwater primarily has high salt content. Examples of saltwater bodies are seas and oceans. Freshwater Freshw...

The Hydrosphere The hydrosphere includes all of Earth's water. The Hydrosphere Bodies of water are classified into either saltwater or freshwater, based on salinity. Saltwater Saltwater primarily has high salt content. Examples of saltwater bodies are seas and oceans. Freshwater Freshwater has little to no salt content. Freshwater bodies include rivers, lakes, and streams. Global Freshwater Percentage Water has the right density, transition temperatures, and heat capacity that enable the existence and perpetuation of life on the planet. Density Water is at maximum density at 3.98°C. Heat Capacity Water has a relatively high heat capacity, which allows it to resist temperature changes. Properties of Water These properties make aquatic habitats a stable place for organisms to live in, since aquatic habitats can somewhat resist temperature changes. Properties of Water The Origin of Water on Earth The prevailing hypothesis on the origin of water on Earth suggests that water came from comets that collided with Earth. Other studies suggest that water was already present within Earth since formation as volatiles trapped in magma. Global Water Usage It is potable water. This is the amount of water that covers Earth. Identify what is being described in each item. 70% This refers to the water environment of Earth. Identify what is being described in each item. HYDROSPHERE This is the percentage of water on Earth that is made up of freshwater. Identify what is being described in each item. 2.5% This is the percentage of water on Earth that is made up of saltwater. Identify what is being described in each item. 97.5% Hydrosphere is the water environment on Earth. Saltwater is found in bodies of water like oceans and seas. As the name implies, saltwater contains salt. Freshwater may still have salts but in very low concentrations. Freshwater can be present in the form of rain and snow, and it can even be found in permanently frozen soil known as permafrost. It can also be stored in rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, glaciers, and polar caps. Water has the right density, transition temperatures, and heat capacity that enable the existence and perpetuation of life. There are two primary theories about the origin of water on Earth. The prevailing hypothesis on the origin of water on Earth suggests that water came from comets that collided with Earth. Other studies suggest that water was already present within Earth since formation, as volatiles trapped in magma, and manifested as liquid water during degassing after the crust had formed. Global water use refers to how humans use water worldwide About 70% of global freshwater use is for agriculture. For domestic purposes, about 10% of freshwater is used for drinking water and bathing. For industrial purposes, about 20% of water is used globally.