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Water Basics

"Water, Water, Everywhere...."
You've heard the phrase, and for water, it really is true. Earth's water is (almost) everywhere: above the Earth in the air and clouds, on the surface of the Earth in rivers, oceans, ice, plants, in living organisms, and inside the Earth in the top few miles of the ground. The Water Science School allows you to explore all the basics about water.

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Sea Level and Climate

Sea level and climate. If you wondering how they relate to one another all you need to think of is water storage. How does the earth store water during cold periods and how is water stored when the earth warms? If you're curious about the delicate connection the earth has between climate and sea level, don't stop here. Read on!
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Sea Level and Climate

Sea level and climate. If you wondering how they relate to one another all you need to think of is water storage. How does the earth store water during cold periods and how is water stored when the earth warms? If you're curious about the delicate connection the earth has between climate and sea level, don't stop here. Read on!
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Facts About Water

Yes, of course the most obvious fact about water is that it is wet, at least in the liquid state. But, there are many more facts about water that make it a most fascinating substance, one that all life on and in the Earth depends on.
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Facts About Water

Yes, of course the most obvious fact about water is that it is wet, at least in the liquid state. But, there are many more facts about water that make it a most fascinating substance, one that all life on and in the Earth depends on.
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How Wet is Your State? The Water Area of Each State

What percent of your state do you think is water covered? Which state has the highest percentage of water area? Is the West really "drier" than the rest of the country?
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How Wet is Your State? The Water Area of Each State

What percent of your state do you think is water covered? Which state has the highest percentage of water area? Is the West really "drier" than the rest of the country?
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Tsunamis and Tsunami Hazards

You don't hear about tsunamis very often, but when they do strike, they can be huge newsmakers and can have drastic and devastating effects. The occurrence and potential for tsunamis on the coasts of the United States is not out of the question. Read on to learn about tsunamis.
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Tsunamis and Tsunami Hazards

You don't hear about tsunamis very often, but when they do strike, they can be huge newsmakers and can have drastic and devastating effects. The occurrence and potential for tsunamis on the coasts of the United States is not out of the question. Read on to learn about tsunamis.
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Rainbows (Water and Light)

If you are going to find your pot of gold at the end of a rainbow you need to understand why they exist and how they form. Are rainbows just a visual illusion or are they real physical aspects of nature. We will give you the answers.
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Rainbows (Water and Light)

If you are going to find your pot of gold at the end of a rainbow you need to understand why they exist and how they form. Are rainbows just a visual illusion or are they real physical aspects of nature. We will give you the answers.
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Glaciers: Things to Know

The following topics provide background on some of the scientific issues regarding glaciers.
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Glaciers: Things to Know

The following topics provide background on some of the scientific issues regarding glaciers.
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The Little Cloud That Could... But Why?

As a child, you heard about "The little engine that could", but what about "The little cloud that could"? You can see in this picture a small, solitary little cloud in an otherwise totally clear sky. What is it about that tiny spot in the sky that allows that cloud to form?
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The Little Cloud That Could... But Why?

As a child, you heard about "The little engine that could", but what about "The little cloud that could"? You can see in this picture a small, solitary little cloud in an otherwise totally clear sky. What is it about that tiny spot in the sky that allows that cloud to form?
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Are Raindrops Shaped Like Teardrops?

We all know that raindrops are shaped like teardrops, right? Actually, that is not true. Read on to find out the facts.
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Are Raindrops Shaped Like Teardrops?

We all know that raindrops are shaped like teardrops, right? Actually, that is not true. Read on to find out the facts.
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Raindrops are Different Sizes

You've seen a light mist hanging in the air before. And you've had "full sized" water drops splash you in the face, too. So, raindrops are different sizes, but why? Find out below.
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Raindrops are Different Sizes

You've seen a light mist hanging in the air before. And you've had "full sized" water drops splash you in the face, too. So, raindrops are different sizes, but why? Find out below.
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Where is Earth's Water?

" Water, Water, Everywhere... " You've heard the phrase, and for water, it really is true. Earth's water is (almost) everywhere: above the Earth in the air and clouds and on the surface of the Earth in rivers, oceans, ice, plants, and in living organisms. But did you know that water is also inside the Earth? Read on to learn more.
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Where is Earth's Water?

" Water, Water, Everywhere... " You've heard the phrase, and for water, it really is true. Earth's water is (almost) everywhere: above the Earth in the air and clouds and on the surface of the Earth in rivers, oceans, ice, plants, and in living organisms. But did you know that water is also inside the Earth? Read on to learn more.
Learn More

Lakes and Reservoirs

A lake really is just another component of Earth's surface water. A lake is where surface-water runoff and groundwater seepage have accumulated in a low spot, relative to the surrounding countryside.
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Lakes and Reservoirs

A lake really is just another component of Earth's surface water. A lake is where surface-water runoff and groundwater seepage have accumulated in a low spot, relative to the surrounding countryside.
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Rivers and the Landscape

Creeks and streams begin their lives as smaller water bodies that run downhill until they merge to form bigger rivers. Rivers are a mighty factor when it comes to shaping the physical landscape — just ask the Grand Canyon. Find out more here.
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Rivers and the Landscape

Creeks and streams begin their lives as smaller water bodies that run downhill until they merge to form bigger rivers. Rivers are a mighty factor when it comes to shaping the physical landscape — just ask the Grand Canyon. Find out more here.
Learn More