Water Systems on EarthGrade 8

Big Idea #2

•The different characteristics of salt and fresh water support a diversity of living things

The OceanMost of earth is covered in a salty water solution we call the OCEANS.

The amount of salt in water is called its SALINTY.

Salts in the oceans have accumulated over ages by water running over the earths surface and collecting the salts on its way to the ocean

What is the Difference?• What is the difference between fresh and salt water?

• Lets take a break and walk around the classroom , looking at everyones posters.

As you walk around , fill in the VENN DIAGRAM.

Why we cannot Drink Salt Water• Humans can go without water for 3 whole days , before you

may die.

• Humans can not drink salt water because it sucks all the freshwater out of your cells and causes your cells to shrivel up.

• You end up looking like a RAISIN

Animals that can drink salt water• Penguins

• Seals

• Seagulls

• Dolphins

Diversity of living things in fresh and salt water• The worlds water holds the majority of the earths animal life.

• Animals live in different ZONES of the water column.

• Some animals can only live in specific ZONES.

Ocean Diversity ZONES• Intertidal Zone

• Continental Shelf

• Estuary

• Oceanic Zone

Intertidal Zone• This is the zone found along the shore of the ocean.

• These animals have to be able to hand large WAVES and the TIDE movement of the ocean.

• Most of these animals can live outside of the water for a while

Estuary• This is the area of ocean where the FRESH water meets the

SALT water.

• Most animals live in this zone , because a lot of food can be found in this area.

BIRDS LOVE TO LIVE HERE.

Continental Shelf• The area of the ocean that remands flat for several

kilometers from the shore.

• Its like a sandbar in a lake , before you hit the drop off.

• Many small fish live in this zone , along with several large fish that move along the shelf.

Oceanic Zone• This is the deepest part of the ocean , up to 32000 feet deep (

this is as high as airplanes fly)

• There is no light in this zone , so animals need large eyes

• Animals such as SQUID , WHALES and EELS live in this zone

Lake Diversity Zones• Limnetic Zone

• Littoral Zone

• Profundal Zone

Limnetic Zone• This is the surface water on a lake and still has light available

for animals that live in it.

• Algae and phytoplankton live in this zone , these small animals provide food for many fish

Littoral Zone• This area starts from the shore line and continues into the

lake until the plants stop growing.

• This is the area where most plants grow in the lake. ( all the ones you see when you look from your boat)

Profundal Zone• This is the deepest part of the lake , where no light

penetrates to the bottom.

• Food for animals that live here , floats down from the surface.

• CAN YOU THINK OF A FISH LIKE THIS IN LAKE LA LOCHE!!