3. Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, which is crucial for life and climate regulation. The distribution of water reveals that a vast majority is found in oceans and only a small fraction is available for human use. Understanding the water cycle, ocean characteristics, movements of ocean water, and the importance of the hydrosphere highlights its role in environmental and economic systems.
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What we have learnt
- The hydrosphere consists of all Earth's water in various forms.
- Only a tiny percentage of Earth's water is freshwater suitable for human use.
- The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection, and infiltration.
Key Concepts
- -- Hydrosphere
- The combined mass of water present on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, underground water, and atmospheric vapor.
- -- Water Cycle
- The continuous cycle of water movement through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
- -- Salinity
- The concentration of dissolved salts in water, primarily observed in oceans, where it averages 35 parts per thousand.
- -- Ocean Currents
- Large-scale flows of seawater that affect climate and marine ecosystems, driven by wind, water temperature, and Earth's rotation.
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