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Questions for Thought
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1

How are the waters of the earth distributed as a solid, a liquid, and a gas at a given time? How much of the water is salt water and how much is freshwater?
2

Describe the hydrologic cycle. Why is the hydrologic cycle important in maintaining a supply of freshwater? Why is the hydrologic cycle called a cycle?
3

Describe in general all the things that happen to the water that falls on the land.
4

Explain how a stream can continue to flow even during a dry spell.
5

What is the water table? What is the relationship between the depth to the water table and the depth that a well must be drilled? Explain.
6

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using (a) surface water and (b) groundwater as a source of freshwater.
7

Prepare arguments for (a) agriculture, (b) industries, and (c) cities each having first priority in the use of a limited water supply. Identify one of these arguments as being the "best case" for first priority, then justify your choice.
8

Discuss some possible ways of extending the supply of freshwater.
9

The world's rivers and streams carry millions of tons of dissolved materials to the ocean each year. Explain why this does not increase the salinity of the ocean.
10

What is swell and how does it form?
11

Why do waves always seem to approach the shore head-on?
12

What factors determine the size of an ocean wave made by the wind?
13

Describe how a breaker forms from swell. What is surf ?
14

Describe what you would look for to avoid rip currents at a beach.





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