Chapter 2 Notes

Chapter 2, Section 1- The water cycle

1. Water covers about 70 percent of the earth's surface.

• 2. The earth's water is continually moving through the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. • Together these steps are known as

the water cycle.

3. In order to survive, humans need freshwater. •Almost 98 percent of the water on

Earth is salt water found in the oceans.

Chapter 2, Section 2- Climate

1. Climate is the usual pattern of weather in an area over a long period of time. • Weather- the unpredictable changes in the air that

take place over a short period of time.

• 2. A combination of factors create climate. •Wind and ocean currents, the sun,

latitude, and elevation all contribute to climate.

• 3. People's actions can also affect climate. • The burning of fossil fuels and the

destruction of the rain forests are human actions that are causing concern.

Chapter 2, Section 3

1. Geographers divide the world into different climate zones. • These zones are based on latitude,

amount of precipitation, and elevation.

• Each zone shares common characteristics and has particular kinds of vegetation.

• Vegetation- plants• The five major climate zones are tropical,

mid-latitude, high latitude, dry, and highland.

Ch. 2, Section 4

1. A delicate balance exists among the earth's hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

• Lithosphere- the earth’s crust• Atmosphere- the layer of air surrounding

the earth.• Biosphere- living things on the earth• Hydrosphere- water found on the earth

2. The challenge is to use the earth's resources without harming ecosystems and the global environment.