Earth and Space
Check Point
2025
The Water Cycle:
 The water cycle is Earth's
continuous circulation of
water between the
atmosphere, land, and
oceans
 Also known as the hydrologic
cycle
 Has been occurring for
billions of years
 Essential for all life on Earth
Evaporation: Water's Rise
 Definition: Process where liquid water changes into water vapor
 Occurs when water is heated by the sun
 Main sources:
•
Oceans (largest source)
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Lakes and rivers
•
Soil moisture
•
Plant transpiration
Condensation: From Vapor to Liquid
 Definition: Process where water vapor changes back into liquid
 Occurs when water vapor cools
 Forms:
•
Clouds
•
Fog
•
Dew
•
Frost
Cloud Formation
Warm air rises
carrying water
vapor
Air cools at
higher altitudes
Water vapor
condenses
around dust
particles
Different cloud
types form at
various heights
Important step
between
evaporation
and
precipitation
Precipitation: Water Returns
 Definition: Water falling from clouds
 Forms:
•
Rain
•
Snow
•
Sleet
•
Hail
 Varies by region and climate
Water Run-off: The
Flow
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Open Water
Sources
Definition: Visible water
bodies on Earth's surface
Examples:
Oceans
Lakes
Rivers
Stream
s
Ponds
Groundwater:
Hidden
Resources
Definition: Water stored
underground
Found in:
• Aquifers
• Soil spaces
• Rock formations
Important source of freshwater
Impact on
Climate
Influences weather patterns
Affects temperature
Creates precipitation patterns
Impacts regional ecosystems
Human Impact
on the Water
Cycle
Urban development
Deforestation
Water pollution
Climate change effects
Why It Matters
Provides fresh water
Supports all life forms
Maintains ecosystems
Powers weather systems
Shapes landscapes
Introduction to Earth's Climate
Climate describes long-term weather patterns in an area
Earth's climate has changed throughout history
We'll explore climate cycles, changes, and differences from weather
Important for understanding our planet's past and future
Climate vs. Weather
Weather: Day-today conditions
(temperature, rain,
snow)
Climate: Average
weather patterns
over long periods
(30+ years)
Earth's Climate Cycles
Earth experiences
natural climate cycles
Alternates between
warm periods and ice
ages
These cycles happen
over thousands of years
Currently in a warm
period between ice
ages
What is an Ice Age?
Period when Earth is colder than usual
Large ice sheets cover continents
Sea levels are lower
Last major ice age ended about 11,700 years ago
Ice ages can last millions of years
Warm Periods
Times between ice ages
Higher global temperatures
Less ice at poles
Higher sea levels
We are currently in a warm period
Evidence of
Climate Cycles
Ice cores from Antarctica and
Greenland
Tree rings
Ocean sediments
Fossil records
Rock layers
Atmospheric
Changes
Atmosphere affects Earth's climate
Contains different gases
Changes in gas levels affect
temperature
Example: More greenhouse gases =
warmer temperatures
Human Impact
on Climate
Burning fossil fuels
Deforestation
Industrial activities
Agriculture
Transportation
Climate Indicators
TEMPERATURE
RECORDS
SEA LEVEL
MEASUREMENT
S
GLACIER SIZE
WILDLIFE
PATTERNS
PLANT
GROWING
SEASONS
Climate Science Tools
Satellites
Weather
stations
Ocean buoys
Computer
models
Ground
sensors
The Carbon
Cycle and
Climate Change:
Our Earth's
Future
Introduction to
the Carbon
Cycle
The carbon cycle is a natural
process where carbon moves
between Earth's different parts
Carbon is found everywhere: in
the air, water, soil, and living
things
Understanding this cycle helps
us understand climate change
What is Carbon?
 Carbon is a chemical element essential for life
 Found in all living things
 Main building block of life
 Moves through Earth in different forms
 Examples: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), sugar molecules, fossil fuels
Photosynthesis in the Carbon Cycle
 Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air
 Using sunlight, they convert CO₂ and water into:
 Sugar (their food)
 Oxygen (released into air)
 This process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere
Respiration: The Other Side
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The Food Chain Connection
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Decomposition's Role
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Combustion and Carbon
 Burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas)
 Releases stored carbon into the atmosphere
 Examples:
•
Car engines
•
Power plants
•
Forest fires
Understanding Climate Change
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Sea Level Rise Impact
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Extreme Weather
Events
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Drought and Agriculture
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Taking Action
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