- WATER (THE HYDROSPHERE)
- Ocean
- Rivers
- Groundwater
- Ice
- Our Changing Planet
- Clouds
- Water Cycle
- Ocean Life
- Ocean Chemistry
- Water News
- Water Images
- Teaching Resources
Water
Water is found in many places on Earth including on the surface of the planet, within rocks below the surface, and in the atmosphere. Water travels between different areas of the Earth through the water cycle. About 70% of the Earth surface is covered with water, and most of that is the ocean. Only a small portion of the Earth's water is freshwater, which is found in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Freshwater is needed for drinking, farming, and washing. In addition to liquid water, water is also present on Earth in the form of ice. Without water, life as we know it would not exist.
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Explore Water
The Ocean
Earth's ocean covers more than 70% of our planet's surface. There are five major ocean basins. ...Read more
Rivers and Other Freshwater
Rivers are very important to Earth because they are major forces that shape the landscape. ...Read more
Groundwater
Most of the water we are aware of is in ponds, rivers, oceans, streams, lakes, puddles, and ...Read more
Ice: Frozen Water
The cryosphere includes the parts of the Earth system where water is in its frozen (solid) ...Read more
Our Changing Planet
When we look around us, we can see that our planet's climate is changing rapidly. The National ...Read more
Clouds: Water in the Sky
Clouds can come in all sizes and shapes, and can form near the ground or high in the atmosphere. ...Read more
The Water Cycle
Water is always on the move. Rain falling where you live may have been water in the ocean just ...Read more
Life in the Ocean
The ocean holds the largest of all biomes on Earth. It covers 70% of the planet’s surface. ...Read more
Ocean Chemistry
Earth's oceans are, of course, full of water. That water is not, however, simply pure H2O. ...Read more
Water News
Read about current science, happenings and discoveries related to water on Earth! ...Read more
Water Images
Access wonderful captioned photos and illustrations that will inspire and excite you. ...Read moreMore about Water
Did you know?
Did you know that the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from radiation from space?Did you know that the Earth’s magnetic field has reversed its orientation irregularly many times over Earth’s history?
Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day
Do you know what this word or phrase means?Adiabatic
xAdiabatic : An adiabatic process happens without any heat transfer with the environment.
Click on the word to find out!
Research Highlights
Gulf Oil Spill: Mississippi River Hydrology May Help Reduce Oil Onshore
The Gulf of Mexico: what role will the Mississippi River play in oil washing ashore and into delta wetlands? One of the spill's greatest environmental threats is to Louisiana's wetlands, scientists believe....Read more
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