Hydrosphere: What Is It and Its Formation — Passage
The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth, from oceans and rivers to lakes, glaciers, and even water vapor in the atmosphere. It covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface and plays a vital role in supporting life.
The hydrosphere formed billions of years ago when water vapor in the Earth’s early atmosphere condensed and fell as rain, filling the planet’s basins to create oceans. Over time, water cycles like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation helped distribute water across the globe.
The hydrosphere is divided into saltwater (97.5%) and freshwater (2.5%). Most freshwater is locked in glaciers and ice caps, while only a small fraction is found in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Water in the hydrosphere is constantly moving through the water cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, transpiration, and runoff. This cycle ensures that water is distributed and recycled, supporting ecosystems and human activities.
The hydrosphere also regulates the Earth’s climate by absorbing and releasing heat. Oceans, for example, act as giant heat sinks, moderating temperatures and influencing weather patterns.
Fun fact: The hydrosphere contains about 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of water, enough to fill over 350 billion Olympic-sized swimming pools!
What is the hydrosphere?
All the air on EarthAll the water on EarthAll the land on EarthAll the ice on EarthHow much of the Earth’s surface is covered by the hydrosphere?
50%71%25%90%How did the hydrosphere form?
From volcanic eruptionsFrom water vapor condensing and falling as rainFrom melting glaciersFrom human activitiesWhat percentage of the hydrosphere is freshwater?
97.5%2.5%50%10%What is the water cycle?
The movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitationThe freezing of water into iceThe melting of glaciersThe formation of oceansWhat role does the hydrosphere play in climate regulation?
It absorbs and releases heatIt increases air pressureIt stops rainfallIt reduces humidityWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The hydrosphere contains 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of waterThe hydrosphere has no role in the water cycleThe hydrosphere is made only of freshwaterThe hydrosphere covers 50% of the Earth’s surfaceWhere is most freshwater found?
In rivers and lakesIn glaciers and ice capsIn the atmosphereIn the oceansCommon core standards covered
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