1. Hydrosphere

2. Hydrosphere Refers to the part of Earth that contains water
Hydrosphere consists of water in the:
Ocean
Polar Ice Caps
Atmosphere
Groundwater
Freshwater Lakes and Rivers
70% of Earth’s surface covered by water

3. The Significance of Water
Water is vital to all life, cell growth, photosynthesis, and the absorption of nutrients
Water is temporarily stored in living beings
The hydrologic cycle is the main mode of water distribution on the planet

4. The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle
The process of transferring water from one location to the next.
Relies on the ability of water to change from a liquid state to a vapor
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Run-Off

5. Processes of the Water Cycle
Evaporation – water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, caused by heat
Condensation – water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water, results in the formation of clouds
Precipitation – the release of water from the clouds in the form of:
Rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, or hail
Run-off/Collection – the return of water to the oceans to restart the process

7. Oceans Contain 97% of all water on Earth, other 3% is fresh water
Responsible for keeping the planet relatively cool
Distribute sun’s energy throughout the world

8. Tides
Refers to the changes in the surface level of the ocean, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon on ocean waters.
Ocean surface levels can rises and fall depending on the position of the moon relative to the Earth
referred to as high tide and low tide.

9. Currents Ocean currents are the movements of the ocean’s waters.
Occur both at the surface and deep below.

10. Surface Currents
The spinning of the Earth and winds move surface currents.
Currents help balance the Earth’s temperature by bringing warm water to cold regions and cold water to warm regions.
Ex. - Gulf Stream

11. Deep Currents
Driven by changes in density, which is driven by changes in temperature and salinity
They are one continuous flow, also known as the Global Conveyor Belt
Move much slower than surface currents
Distribute nutrients and help regulate temperatures

13. Final Review How are ocean tides created?
Where do ocean currents occur?
How are surface currents created?
Why are surface currents important to our climate?
Why are deep currents important to our oceans?