GGR202H5 Lecture 92: Chapter-11-ENV-1
Document Summary
Water is what makes us unique: shapes the surface of the earth: affects morphology of earth allows for life. Makes earth different from all other planets! exists in all 3 states: atmosphere, on surface, under the ground. In atmosphere: important in moving heat from equator to the poles rises as vapour; falls as rain/snow. Carrier for many substances (nutrients & pollutants) Water is locked up in minerals in the earth"s mantle: Makes the mantle elastic; affects the dynamics of plate tectonics: allows the plates to move. May be largest water reservoir on the planet. Unknown how much cycles between internal & surface reservoirs through tectonics. Study of water in the hydrosphere, both on and under the ground. Only 2. 5% of earths water is fresh. Most of this is tied up in the glaciers, ice caps, aquifers. Reservoirs differ in the amount of water they store, transmit, and how long they hold it.