1. HYDROSPHERE - INTRODUCTION
TODAY:
What is the Hydrosphere?
Likely exam questions.
The Global Hydrological Cycle.

2. 1. WHAT IS THE HYDROSPHERE?
Earth’s surface waters.
WHY DO WE LOOK AT THE HYDROSPHERE?
Water is one of the most important resources on the planet.
Unevenly distributed but crucial resource.
Water also has the power to shape the landscape over long periods of time / shorter bursts of activity.
Water is life-giving and life-threatening.

3. HYDROSPHERE Starting Point: Earth’s Water.
Distribution of fresh and salt water.

4. Earth's Water and the Hydrologic Cycle
To view this animation, click “View” and then “Slide Show” on the top navigation bar.

5. HYDROSPHERE 2. Likely exam questions:
OS Map question or explanations of how river features are formed roughly every 2 years
Every 3/4 years questions about the Hydrological Cycle and River Flow data

6. 3. THE GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
You should be able to:
Draw a diagram highlighting the main elements of the cycle
Describe the global hydrological cycle as shown on a diagram
Explain how the balance is maintained within the cycle
You may have come across the Global Hydrological Cycle in
Biology

7. THE GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

8. Earth's Water and the Hydrologic Cycle
To view this animation, click “View” and then “Slide Show” on the top navigation bar.

9. THE GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
Describe the global Hydrological Cycle and explain how the
balance is maintained. You may use a diagram to support your
answer. (10 marks)

10. THE GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
ACTIVITY:
Use Figure 3.2 on page 39 as a basis for your diagram
The ideal diagram should include the following labels:
SOLAR ENERGY (HEAT FROM THE SUN)
ICECAP STORAGE
EVAPORATION (FROM OCEANS AND LAKES)
TRANSPIRATION (FROM PLANTS AND TREES)
THE SUM OF THESE TWO ARE KNOW AS EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
CONDENSATION (INTO CLOUDS)
PRECIPITATION
SURFACE RUN-OFF
INFILTRATION
GROUNDWATER
WATER TABLE
RIVERS AND LAKES
Create a word bank for the new terms above with definitions (use page 38/39)

11. THE GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE
At the bottom of your diagram, and using page 38  39:
Describe the global hydrological cycle
With a diagram this question is usually worth between 6 and 10 marks,
The Earth contains a finite amount of water
The highest % is stored in the world’s oceans (95%)
Second highest % trapped in ice caps and at the poles
Heat from sun results in evaporation from the oceans
Moist air condenses and precipitation results
Clouds form and transport water
Precipitation may occur as rain or snow depending on altitude
Rainwater returns to oceans and seas via rivers and streams
Water can infiltrate the soil and rocks and return to the system as groundwater flow
Water can also be evaporated from lakes or transpired from vegetation