Water in the Hydrosphere

Developed by the GPM Education and

Public Outreach Team

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

ENGAGEENGAGE

You walk by this stream every day on your way home from school. But today, something is different – you notice some dead fish in the water!

?? What might have caused this?

The HydrosphereThe Hydrosphere

ALL of Earth’s water!

Everywhere:•Surface•Underground •Air

All kinds:•Liquid •Vapor•Ice

The Water CycleThe Water Cycle

“The Water Cycle: animation from NASA/GSFC SVS # 10501

Why is water important?Why is water important?

Supports life Helps form weather Shapes the surface of Earth

What is the condition of the water?What is the condition of the water?

Quantitative: pHTemperature

Qualitative: Transparency

As you explore, think about:How does water get to the stream?Where does the water go?

Data CollectionData Collection

Group pH Temperature Transparency

1

2

3

4

5

Explain: Based on the data you collected, water is _____ (good condition, somewhat good condition, poor condition)

in the hydrosphere today. Provide evidence to support your answer.

EvaluateEvaluate

Label at least 3 factors that would make this pond in “good condition” for

the fish living in it.Hints: pH, temperature, transparency

EvaluateEvaluate

Why is it important to study the condition of surface water as part of

they hydrosphere?

Hints:

GPMGPM

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Satellite will collect precipitation data from around the world.

Knowing where and how much rain or snow falls globally is vital to understanding how weather and climate impact both our environment and Earth’s water and energy cycles. Precipitation patterns have effects on agriculture, fresh water availability, and responses to natural disasters.

Video- “Water, Water Everywhere”Video- “Water, Water Everywhere”