Overview: Earth is sometimes described as the water planet: over two-thirds of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans and freshwater features. By exploring examples of aquatic systems, students come to appreciate the dynamic nature of these systems and learn about the interaction of landforms, sediments, water and climate. Students also investigate factors that affect the distribution and health of living things in aquatic environments and the supply and quality of water for human use.
Focusing Questions: How do water, land and climate interact? What are the characteristics of freshwater and saltwater systems, and how do they affect living things, including humans?
Key Concepts
− water quality
− water-borne materials
− erosion and deposition
− stream characteristics
− continental drainage systems
− ocean basins
− climate
− glaciers and icecaps
− adaptations to aquatic ecosystems − human impact