IBL - Changes to the Hydrosphere Lesson

 

Changes to the Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere is made up of all water found on Earth stored in oceans, glaciers, rivers, streams, groundwater, and water vapor.   As learned previously, it is in constant movement - transferring water and heat throughout the atmosphere in the water cycle. There are many pressing issues that have direct consequences on the hydrosphere and its interactions with Earth's other spheres.

Rising Sea Levels

Most of the Earth's glaciers are in retreat due to climate change. Scientific studies have found that the rate of melting is increasing at a fast rate. This is causing the sea levels to rise. Recent measurements indicate that world wide sea levels have increased 6-8 inches. It is hypothesized that with the reduction of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, water levels across the world could rise 10 or more meters drowning coastlines.

Decrease in Arctic Sea

The arctic seas have decreased over the past several decades; NASA reports that the arctic sea ice is disappearing at a rate of 9.6 percent every ten years. The decrease in the ice sheets impacts the ocean's salinity, global heat balance, and animal habitat. Polar bears have less land to live on and are having to swim further distances to survive and are drowning. Ice sheets are melting, causing albedo and the dark oceans are absorbing more heat because there is no ice to reflect it.

Disappearance of Permafrost

Higher temperatures mean that the permafrost is melting. This melting impacts animals and humans living in the area - both immediately and long term. Melting permafrost makes the ground soft and buildings are sinking. Scientists are worried what the permafrost could release into the atmosphere as it melts - increased carbon dioxide and methane will have extreme effects on the other spheres.

Changes in Precipitation Events

As discussed earlier, there have been drastic changes in precipitation-related weather events over the past 30-50 years. Increases in precipitation have caused flooding and landslides while decreases have brought wildfires and droughts. Changes in all precipitation events are having drastic effects on the geosphere, temperatures, and will continue to change the landscape of the Earth.

Flip through the images below to learn more about the changes in the hydrosphere.

 

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPENSOURCE