Unit 1: Water Systems on Earth's Surface (revised 2012)

Hurricanes are a kind of tropical cyclone. But where do they come from? And why do they cause so much damage? This article will answer all your storm-related questions!

Make a model of the water cycle and find out how water moves around on planet Earth.

Oceans absorb the greatest amount of solar radiation on Earth. Ocean warming can lead to glaciers melting and ocean acidification.

Water is a precious natural resource. What happens if it gets polluted? Learn how water can be cleaned with this hands-on activity?

Learn about the chemical reaction that happens between acid rain and limestone.

Create a model of ocean currents and learn how currents are formed.

The fracking process gets natural gases out of rocks. This process can have effects on freshwater, water quality and even earthquakes!

What are microplastics? How are plastics polluting aquatic ecosystems?

1 diagram illustrating the water cycle

How will arctic ice melt from climate change affect exploration, scientific research and geopolitics?

The water in the oceans has travelled vast distances. It has even time spent deep below the surface of the Earth, trapped inside the mineral ringwoodite.

The ocean is full of very small but very useful creatures called microbes. Without them, none of the sea plants or animals you’ve seen would exist!

8 images of some invertebrate animals such as sea anemones, coral and jellyfish that live in a marine environment

Humidity is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what humidity is, how it is measured and how it affects us both mentally and physically.

Learn about how craters are formed and about some of Canada's impact craters.