Oceanography

WATER

• Essential Question:

– Why is water essential to life on Earth?

• Objectives:

– Discuss and investigate properties of water

Water Facts • Exists in solid, liquid and gas forms

• Covers 70% - 75% of Earth

• 4 Oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic

• N. Hemisphere: 61%

• S. Hemisphere: 81%

• Average Depth: 3,800 m

• 97% Saltwater

• 3% Freshwater

• Most freshwater located in glaciers

• Sea Level – Level of ocean water, varies due to melting of glaciers

                           

• Water is tasteless and odorless

• Water is transparent - light can pass through

• Water is a strong solvent, mixes well with other substances (salt, sugar, CO2)

• Chemical Formula: H2O

• Boiling temp: 100 ºC

• Freezing temp: 0 ºC

WaterCycle

Water Cycle

• Evaporated from Earth’s surface

• Transpired from trees and plants

• Condensed into water droplets, forms clouds

• Precipitates back to Earth

• Runoff into large bodies of water, enters ground

• The cycle repeats

So… why is water SO important?

• Determines climate and weather• Shapes the landscapes on Earth through

weathering and erosion• Supports life on Earth (Plants and Animals)

– Agriculture, Drinking

• Form of energy – Hydro-power• Recreation • Cleaning – shower, clothes

• Cohesion

– Water molecules sticking together

• Adhesion

– Water molecules sticking to other substances

• Surface Tension

– Waters resistance to objects attempting to break through its surface

Properties of Water