Earth's Water Flashcards
What is the hydrosphere?
All the water on, beneath, or above Earth
How is water on Earth distributed?
From clouds onto Earth or other bodies of water
Explain the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth
What would Earth be like without the greenhouse effect?
The Earth would be very cold
What is specific heat?
The amount of thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of a material by 1°C
Is the specific heat of water high or low?
High
How does water regulate climate?
The amount of water vapor in air can change the humidity
In what direction does thermal energy move?
From warm to cool
What is the water cycle?
The process in which water moves through the hydrosphere.
What “drives” the water cycle?
The sun and gravity
Why is water called a universal solvent?
Because many materials dissolve in it including some minerals
What is unusual about water’s density?
It is greater in liquid form than solid form
What is the water quality?
The chemical, biological, and physical status of a body of water
How do humans affect water quality?
With pollution from factories
What is the difference between point-source and non-point source pollution?
Point Source- When you can trace pollution back to a certain spot.
Non-Point Source- When you cannot trace pollution back to a certain spot.
What are the five different tests of water quality?
Dissolved oxygen, water temperature, nitrates, acidity, and turbidity
How to nitrates enter water?
From fertilizer run-off
What is turbidity?
A measure of the cloudiness of water from sediments, microscopic organisms or pollutants.
How are bio-indicators used?
They alert scientists to changes in the level of oxygen, nutrients or pollutants in water.
What is remote sensing?
The collection of data from a distance
