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Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for grades 6-8 explores the impact of climate change on water resources, aligning with NGSS standards. Students learn how rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affect the availability and quality of freshwater. Key terms such as drought, evaporation, precipitation, and groundwater are explained, making complex scientific concepts accessible. Real-world examples highlight drought in California and melting glaciers affecting river flows. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, glossary, and writing prompts that encourage critical thinking, real-life connections, and scientific investigations. The passage is audio integrated, supporting diverse learning needs. This resource is perfect for classrooms focusing on environmental science, water cycles, and climate change, helping students connect science with everyday life and global challenges.

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Wide scene of melting glacier, flooded coasts, struggling wildlife, and warming sun. Caption: Glacial retreat effects: sea rise, habitat loss, and warming feedback loop.

Climate change is causing major changes to our planet. One of the most important areas affected is our water resources. Water resources include all the water we use, such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and rain.

As the Earth's temperature rises, more water evaporates from land and water surfaces. Evaporation is when water changes from a liquid to a gas, moving into the air. Warmer temperatures speed up this process, which can cause lakes and rivers to shrink, especially during hot summers.

Precipitation is water that falls to the Earth as rain, snow, or hail. Climate change can make precipitation more unpredictable. Some places may get heavier rain and more flooding, while others may get less rain and face drought. A drought is a long period with very little rainfall, which can dry up rivers and soil.

Melting glaciers is another effect of climate change. Glaciers are huge masses of ice found in mountains and polar regions. As the Earth warms, glaciers melt faster than they can grow. This extra melted water at first increases river flows, but over time, as glaciers become smaller, less water will be available for rivers and people who depend on them.

Climate change also affects groundwater, which is the water stored underground in rocks and soil. If there is less rainfall, groundwater is not replaced as quickly, making wells and springs dry up. People, animals, and plants all depend on groundwater when surface water is low.

For example, in California, long droughts have made it difficult for farmers to water their crops. In other places, like Bangladesh, heavier rains and floods have damaged homes and polluted drinking water. These real-world examples show how climate change can cause both too little and too much water.

Scientists and communities are working to find solutions, such as saving water, using new technology to clean water, and protecting natural areas like wetlands. Understanding how climate change impacts water helps us make better decisions to protect our future.

Interesting Fact: The amount of fresh water on Earth is less than 3% of all the water, and most of it is locked in glaciers and ice caps!

What is evaporation?

Water changes from liquid to gasWater falls as rainWater freezes into iceWater flows underground

What is a drought?

Heavy rainfall eventLong period with little rainMelting of glaciersOverflowing rivers

Which is a water resource?

MountainsGroundwaterDesertsVolcanoes

Why do rivers shrink during hot summers?

More evaporationLess sunlightMore precipitationMore glaciers

How does climate change affect precipitation?

Makes it more predictableMakes it more unpredictableStops all rainfallCauses only snow

What happens when glaciers melt faster?