3.The-Hydrosphere-A-Key-Component-of-Environmental-Science.pptx

This is for educational purposes

1. The Hydrosphere: Earth's Water World

2. Introduction to the Hydrosphere The hydrosphere is all of Earth's water in liquid, solid, and gas forms Includes oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers, and water vapor Covers about 71% of Earth's surface Plays a crucial role in climate regulation and supporting life

3. Components of the Hydrosphere 1. Oceans (97.5% of Earth's water) 2. Glaciers and ice caps (1.7%) 3. Groundwater (0.76%) 4. Surface water (lakes, rivers, swamps) (0.02%) 5. Atmosphere (0.001%)

4. The Water Cycle Continuous movement of water within the hydrosphere Key processes: 1. Evaporation 2. Condensation 3. Precipitation 4. Runoff 5. Infiltration Driven by solar energy and gravity

5. Oceans: The Heart of the Hydrosphere Cover 70% of Earth's surface Regulate global climate through heat absorption and distribution Major ocean currents: Gulf Stream Kuroshio Current Antarctic Circumpolar Current Home to diverse marine ecosystems

6. Freshwater Systems Rivers, lakes, and wetlands Vital for terrestrial life and human civilization Drainage basins and watersheds Challenges: Water scarcity Pollution Overuse

7. Groundwater: The Hidden Resource Water stored in porous rock and soil Aquifers: underground layers of water-bearing rock Recharge through precipitation and surface water infiltration Extraction through wells for agriculture and drinking water Concerns: depletion and contamination

8. Glaciers and Ice Caps Store 68.7% of Earth's freshwater Important indicators of climate change Provide freshwater to rivers and streams Melting due to global warming: Rising sea levels Altering ocean currents Impacting ecosystems

9. The Hydrosphere and Climate Change Rising global temperatures affect the hydrosphere Consequences: 1. Sea level rise 2. Increased water cycle intensity 3. Changes in precipitation patterns 4. Ocean acidification Impacts on ecosystems and human societies

10. Water Resources and Management Growing global water demand Strategies for sustainable water use: 1. Conservation and efficiency 2. Water recycling and reuse 3. Desalination technologies 4. Improved irrigation techniques Importance of international cooperation

11. The Future of Earth's Hydrosphere Challenges: Population growth Urbanization Climate change Opportunities: Advanced water treatment technologies Precision agriculture Improved weather forecasting The role of individual actions and global policies