Distribution of water on the planet

Question 1

what percentage of water is readily available for human consumption

Answer 1

2.5%

Question 2

atmospheric water definition

Answer 2

water found in the atmosphere; mainly water vapour with some liquid water (cloud and rain droplets) and ice crystals

Question 3

cryospheric water definition

Answer 3

the water locked up in the earth’s surface as ice

Question 4

oceanic water definition

Answer 4

water contained in the earths oceans and seas but not including inland seas such as the Caspian sea

Question 5

terrestrial water definition

Answer 5

this consists of groundwater, soil moisture, lakes, wetlands and rivers

Question 6

sea ice– features of it

Answer 6

occurs when water in the oceans is cooled to below freezing. doesn’t raise sea level when it melts. closely linked to climate and is in recent decline

Question 7

2 major ice sheets are…

Answer 7

Greenland and Antarctica

Question 8

how does an ice sheet remain stable

Answer 8

as long as an ice sheet accumulates the same mass of snow as it loses to the sea it remains stable

Question 9

permafrost definition

Answer 9

ground that remains at or below 0 degrees celcius for at least 2 consecutive years

Question 10

when permafrost melts what does it release

Answer 10

releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, potentially affecting global climates

Question 11

other examples of cryospheric stores:

Answer 11

ice caps

alpine glaciers