CHETTINAD VIDYASHRAM
LESSON 17 - THE HYDROSPHERE
1. TICK THE CORRECT OPTION:
a. 97 percent
b. Pacific Ocean
c. 11 March 2011
d. Drifts
e. Brazil current
2. FILL IN THE BLANKS:
a. 1%
b. Salinity
c. Tsunami
d. Spring
e. Warm and cold
3. TRUE OR FALSE:
a. True
b. True
c. False
d. False
e. True
4. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
4a. What is the hydrological cycle? Short answer page 165
a. The hydrological or water cycle is the endless series of changes which water
undergoes on the sea, air and land. The Hydrosphere is sustained through hydrological
cycles.
b. This water cycle consists of four parts - evaporation, condensation, precipitation and
collection.
4b. Which sources of water are considered as ’fresh water’? Short answer page 166
a. One of the most important and dominant sources of freshwater are rivers which carry
fresh water from rain or melting of snow.
4c. What is salinity? How is it measured? Short answer page 166
a. The degree of concentration of salt in seawater is known as its salinity and it varies
from one place to another.
b. Salinity is expressed in terms of parts per thousand.
4d. Define tides. name the two main types of tides. Short answer page 169
a. Sea water rises up the Shore at a certain time of the day and then ebbs and recedes at
regular intervals.
b. The rhythmic rise and fall in the level of sea water is known as tides.
c. The two main types of tides are spring tides and neap tides.
4e. What are the main factors responsible for ocean currents? Short answer page 171
a. Ocean currents are caused by the winds, rotation of the earth, the differences in
density of ocean water depending on temperature and salinity, tides, and interaction
with other currents, and shape of land masses.
5a. Give an account of the devastation and destruction brought about by the Great East Japan
Earthquake. Detailed answer. Page 169
a. The Tohuku Earthquake (11 March 2011), officially named the Great East Japan
Earthquake, had a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale.
b. The tsunami caused massive destruction along the Pacific coastline of Japan’s
northern islands.
c. It left many people dead, injured and people missing across the country.
d. The tsunami caused a number of nuclear accidents with the one near the Fukushima
nuclear power plant being the most serious.
e. Explosions and gas leaks occurred at three nuclear reactors realizing the radio active
material directly into the atmosphere and water sources.
f. The overall economic losses exceeded $300billions, making it one of the most
expensive natural disasters in history.
5b. Distinguish between spring tides and neap tides. Notes
Spring Tides Neap Tides
a) It occurs on a full moon and the new b) It occurs on the first and last quarters
moon day of the lunar cycle
c) The sun, the moon and the earth are d) The sun and the moon are at right
in the same straight line angles to the earth’s centre
e) There is a high rise in the water level f) There is a low rise in the water level
5c. In what ways are tides useful to us? Detailed answer. Page 170
a. Tides clear mud and silt deposits from the mouth of rivers and so keep them open for
ships.
b. Tides are of immense help in whipping and navigation.
c. Ships leave the harbour when the tide goes out and enter when the tides come in.
Spring tides are especially favourable for large ships.
d. Fishermen greatly benefit due to tides as fish come near the coast during high tide
enabling a bountiful catch.
e. Tides are a very important source of renewable energy in the form of fast movement of
water. during inflow and outflow.
5d. Mention four effects of ocean currents. Detailed answer page 171, 172
a. Ocean currents influence the climate and economic activities of coastal areas.
b. Winds passing over warm and cold currents modify their temperature accordingly.
c. The mixing of warm and cold currents causes heavy fog, hindering navigation since it
reduces visibility and acts as a hazard to the shipping industry.
d. Warm currents melt dangerous icebergs, which they encounter, thus reducing danger
to ships whereas cold currents often carry icebergs to the lower latitudes.
e. It is preferred to sail the ships along with the currents as they can move faster and
hence, save on time and fuel.
5e. Why should we conserve water? Give reasons. Pg. 172 short answer.
a. Water is a precious resource and we must use it judiciously and take adequate steps to
prevent its pollution.
b. Water conservation will go a long way in ensuring its availability forever.
File work
Words to know
4d,5b,5c, 5e
