Hydrosphere
What distinguishes the Earth from the other planets is the presence of the seas and oceans. Satellite pictures show the Earth as a “blue” planet, because two thirds of its surface are covered by huge masses of water. The whole of the earth’s environments where water is present in its liquid, solid or gaseous state is called hydrosphere. Most water can be found in the oceans, underground waters and in its solid state as ice in polar hemispheres. Water contained in the atmosphere as water vapour is instead just a very small part of the total amount. But this small part is very important in order to maintain the climate and feed the underground layers. Generally speaking, the hydrosphere can be divided into two different environments: salty water basins (seas and oceans) and fresh water basins. The main feature that distinguishes salty water basins from fresh water basins is their high salt content (or salinity), which is generally 35 grams per litre. Fresh water basins (or continental waters) can be divided into surface waters (rivers, lakes, lagoons, marshes) and underground waters (deep layers, surface layers and springs).
Special reports
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15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
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29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
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10 December 2019
In the fridge of the world
Antarctica is a continent with a very particular charm...
9 October 2018
The forms of water
Drinking a glass of water is the most simplest act in the world. Or rather, in this world. Very special…
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15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
-
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
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