Earth's Systems Reading Passages | Free Printable with Questions 4th-6th Grade

The five Earth systems are the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. They interact with each other to create the environments we are familiar with.

• The atmosphere is the layer of gas that surrounds Earth. It is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases. The atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation from the sun and helps to regulate the Earth's temperature.
• The biosphere is the part of Earth that contains all living things. It includes plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms. The biosphere is responsible for the cycling of nutrients and the production of oxygen.
• The cryosphere is the part of Earth that is made up of ice and snow. It includes the polar ice caps, glaciers, and snowfields. The cryosphere plays an important role in regulating the Earth's climate.
• The geosphere is the solid part of Earth. It includes the rocks, minerals, and soil. The geosphere is responsible for the formation of mountains, the creation of new land, and the movement of tectonic plates.
• The hydrosphere is the water on Earth's surface. It includes the oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The hydrosphere is important for the distribution of water on Earth and for the regulation of the Earth's climate.

These five systems are all interconnected and work together to create the planet we call home.

Atmosphere Article 4th-6th Grade (600-800 words)

- Overview of atmosphere - gases surrounding Earth, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide

- Description of atmospheric layers like troposphere, stratosphere

- Explanation of processes like air pressure, gas cycles, heat transfer

- Tier 2/3 vocab: troposphere, jet stream, greenhouse effect, convection

- Glossary for atmosphere terms like convection, jet stream, troposphere

Here is a 791-word article about the atmosphere with an introduction, conclusion, and glossary:

Earth's Atmosphere: A Delicate Balance of Gases

Introduction

The atmosphere is the envelope of gases surrounding Earth that makes life possible. This thin layer of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace gases interacts with Earth's surface and regulates temperature, weather, and climate. Understanding the composition and processes constantly shaping the atmosphere provides insight into this crucial factor underpinning life and environments.

Layers of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere consists of distinct layers based on temperature differences:  

-Troposphere - Extends 7-20 km above the surface where weather occurs. Temperature decreases with altitude.

-Stratosphere - Reaches up to 50 km high with increasing temperature due to ozone absorption. Contains the ozone layer that shields life from ultraviolet radiation.

-Mesosphere - Extends to 85 km with temperatures again dropping to as low as -90 °C. 

-Thermosphere - Stretches from 85 km to 600+ km high. Active gas interactions causes temperature rise. 

-Exosphere - The outermost region where atmospheric gases merge into space.

Additionally, the ionosphere is the layer with significant electrically charged ions, stretching from about 60 to 1,000 km high. 

The Composition and Importance of Atmospheric Gases

- Nitrogen - makes up 78% of the atmosphere. This inert gas does not support combustion but is vital for biological processes.

- Oxygen - comprises 21% of air. Most organisms require this gas for respiration.

- Argon - this inert noble gas is 0.9% of the atmosphere.

- Carbon dioxide - a trace gas (~0.04%) but crucial for plant photosynthesis and regulating heat.

- Water vapor - highly variable but averages 1% globally. Water's condensation powers weather.

Trace gases like methane and ozone play essential roles in temperature regulation and chemistry. The atmosphere’s careful balance makes life possible on Earth.

Atmospheric Processes and Circulation

Key processes in the atmosphere include:  

- Atmospheric pressure - caused by the weight of the overlying air column pressing down on the surface.

- Convection - the rise and flow of less dense warm air replaced by cooler denser air creating wind and precipitation.

- Heat transfer - radiation, convection and conduction circulating heat across the atmosphere and surface. 

- Gas cycles - circulation of key chemicals like oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen between organisms, air, ocean, and land. 

- Prevailing winds - large-scale predictable wind patterns that circulate air and moisture around the globe. 

The atmosphere dynamically links Earth’s systems through the constant motion of its gases. Tracking atmospheric chemistry and processes provides clues to subtle changes.

Conclusion

The atmosphere may seem light and intangible, but it acts as a giant engine that profoundly sculpts environments and life across the planet through heat distribution, gas cycling, wind patterns, and precipitation. The thin veil of gases cocooning Earth renders this planet habitable. Continued study of the complex atmosphere leads to deeper understanding of weather, climate, and the world around us.

Glossary

Troposphere - The lowest layer of the atmosphere where most weather occurs.  

Jet stream - Fast moving, narrow air currents flowing in the upper troposphere.

Greenhouse effect - The trapping of solar radiation by gases like carbon dioxide and methane that regulate Earth's temperature.

Convection - Circulation of gases or liquids driven by temperature differences and gravity.

Here is a 10 question reading comprehension test for the atmosphere article with an answer key:

Reading Comprehension Test

1. One-Part Hot Text Question:  

Select the sentence from the passage that defines the troposphere.

Answer: The troposphere extends 7-20 km above the surface where weather occurs. 

2. Multiple Choice Question:

What percentage of the atmosphere is comprised of oxygen gas?

a) 21%

b) 0.04%

c) 0.9%

d) 78% 

Answer: a) 21%

3. Open Response Question:  

Describe the process of convection in the atmosphere.

Sample Answer: Convection occurs when less dense warm air rises, while denser cool air sinks down to take its place. This creates circulation and winds. As warm air rises it expands and cools, forming precipitation. The cycle of convection transfers heat and powers weather systems in the atmosphere.

4. Multi-Select Question: 

Which atmospheric layers are characterized by decreasing temperature with altitude? Choose all that apply.

a) Stratosphere

b) Mesosphere

c) Troposphere

d) Thermosphere

Answers: b) Mesosphere, c) Troposphere

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response Question:

Which quote from the passage best supports the idea that atmospheric gases are essential for life?

a) "Additionally, the ionosphere is the layer with significant electrically charged ions..."

b) "The atmosphere dynamically links Earth’s systems through the constant motion of its gases." 

c) "The atmosphere’s careful balance makes life possible on Earth."

d) "Continued study of the complex atmosphere leads to deeper understanding of weather, climate, and the world around us."

Answer: c) "The atmosphere’s careful balance makes life possible on Earth."

6. Two-Part Hot Text Question:  

Select one sentence stating the percentage of atmospheric nitrogen and one describing the stratosphere.

Answers:  

- Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere.

- Stratosphere - Reaches up to 50 km high with increasing temperature due to ozone absorption.

7. Editing Task Question:

Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:  

Oxygen comprises 21% of air and is vital for respiration of most organisms.

Answer: Oxygen comprises 21% of air and is vital for the respiration of most organisms.

8. TECR Grid Select Question:

Categorize each term as an Atmospheric Layer, Gas, or Process:

[Grid with following terms]

- Oxygen  

- Troposphere

- Jet stream

- Ionosphere

- Convection 

- Ozone

Answer Key:

Atmospheric Layer: Troposphere, Ionosphere 

Gas: Oxygen, Ozone

Process: Jet stream, Convection

9. PCR Question: 

Explain why carbon dioxide is considered such an important atmospheric gas despite being present in trace amounts. 

Sample Answer: Though carbon dioxide comprises only 0.04% of the atmosphere, it plays a crucial role. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, helping regulate Earth's temperature. It also cycles between organisms and environment in key biological processes. Plants use CO2 for photosynthesis. Changes in carbon dioxide impact climate and ecosystems. Even small increases can unbalance the greenhouse effect and lead to global warming. Therefore, the trace gas has significant influence on life and environments.

Geosphere Article 4th-6th Grade (600-800 words)

- Overview of the geosphere - the solid, outer layer of Earth

- Discussion of components like soil, rocks, minerals, tectonic plates

- Description of processes like erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes

- Tier 2/3 vocab: lithosphere, mantel, core, magma, sedimentation

- Glossary defines vocab words like magma, sedimentation, tectonic

The Geosphere: Earth's Solid, Outer Layer

Introduction:

The Earth we live on is made up of distinct layers, each with unique properties and processes that shape our dynamic planet. The geosphere is the solid, outermost layer of the Earth encompassing the crust and upper mantle. Understanding the composition of the geosphere and the powerful forces constantly molding it gives insight into the geological systems that impact ecosystems, civilizations, and life everywhere on Earth.

Components of the Geosphere

The geosphere contains a variety of solid materials including soil, rocks, minerals, and tectonic plates.

Soil is the loose, weathered material that covers bedrock. It is composed of small particles of rock mixed with organic matter, water and air. Different types of soil contain varying combinations of clay, silt, sand, gravel and organic matter.

Rocks are naturally formed solid masses of mineral materials. The three main types are sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. Sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediments like organic debris, minerals and rocks. Igneous rocks form from magma or lava cooling. Metamorphic rocks are those transformed by heat and pressure.

Minerals are solid, naturally occurring inorganic substances with a defined chemical structure. Common rock-forming minerals include quartz, feldspars, micas, pyrite, calcite and clays. Minerals provide the building blocks for different rock compositions.

Tectonic plates are massive slabs of rigid land that make up the outer layer of the Earth. They fit together like puzzle pieces and slowly shift atop the weaker mantle below. Collisions, spreading and friction between plates cause events like earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain formation.

Geosphere Processes

Several important processes constantly shape and transform the geosphere over time including:

Erosion - the breakdown and movement of rock, soil and sediments. Water, ice, wind, gravity and living organisms all contribute to erosion that wears down and redistributes earth materials.

Earthquakes - vibrations caused by movement and fracturing along tectonic plate boundaries. The shifting of tectonic plates builds up energy until sections suddenly slip, sending out seismic waves.

Volcanoes - openings in the Earth's crust that allow magma, hot gases and debris to escape to the surface. Volcanoes often form where tectonic plates converge and force magma upwards. Eruptions build up layers of volcanic rock and lava flows over time.

The rock cycle - the continuous transformation of the three main rock types. For example, igneous rocks like granite may weather and break down into sediment. Compression forms sedimentary rock like shale. Heat and pressure metamorphose shale into slate.

Plate tectonics - the shifting of massive tectonic plates that make up the outer geosphere. Convection currents in the mantle cause plates to slowly collide, diverge and slide against each other. This builds mountains, triggers quakes and volcanoes, and forms new rocks.

Conclusion:

The geosphere provides the foundation that shapes the continents we live on and minerals we utilize. Powerful internal forces constantly mold the landscape through earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the uplift of majestic mountains. Learning about the geosphere gives us perspective on the planet we inhabit by revealing the dynamic processes operating just below the surface. Understanding these geological systems is crucial for predicting geohazards, utilizing resources, and appreciating Earth’s awe-inspiring workings.

Glossary

Lithosphere: The solid, outer layer of the Earth comprising the crust and upper mantle.

Mantle: The mostly solid, hot silicate material between the Earth's crust and core.

Core: The Earth's innermost layer made of solid iron and nickel.

Magma: Hot, molten rock generated under the Earth's surface capable of erupting from a volcano or cooling into igneous rock.

Sedimentation: The accumulation and deposition of sediments like gravel, sand, silt and clay in bodies of water or other environments.

Tectonic: Relating to the structure and movement of the Earth's crust. Driven by convection currents in the mantle.

Here is a 10-question reading comprehension test for the geosphere article with an answer key:

Reading Comprehension Test

1. One-Part Hot Text Question:

Select the sentence from the passage that explains how sedimentary rocks form.

Answer: Sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediments like organic debris, minerals and rocks.

2. Multiple Choice Question: 

What are the three main types of rocks in the geosphere?

a) Metamorphic, sedimentary, volcanic

b) Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary  

c) Soil, minerals, cores

d) Lava, granite, shale

Answer: b) Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary

3. Open Response Question: 

Describe one way that erosion impacts the geosphere.

Sample Answer: Erosion wears down and breaks apart rock and soil through processes like water and ice flows, winds, gravity, and organisms disturbing sediments. It redistributes earth materials to new locations over time.

4. Multi-Select Question:

Which of the following are geosphere processes that transform rock? Select all that apply.

a) Erosion

b) Plate tectonics 

c) Earthquakes

d) The rock cycle

Answers: b) Plate tectonics, d) The rock cycle

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response Question:

Which statement from the article best supports the idea that volcanoes are associated with the movement of tectonic plates?

a) Volcanoes often form where tectonic plates converge and force magma upwards. 

b) Eruptions build up layers of volcanic rock and lava flows over time.

c) The geosphere contains a variety of solid materials including soil, rocks, minerals, and tectonic plates.

d) Minerals provide the building blocks for different rock compositions.

Answer: a) Volcanoes often form where tectonic plates converge and force magma upwards.

6. Two-Part Hot Text Question:  

Select one sentence explaining what metamorphic rocks are and one sentence providing an example of how metamorphic rocks form.

Answers: 

- Metamorphic rocks are those transformed by heat and pressure.

- For example, igneous rocks like granite may weather and break down into sediment. 

7. Editing Task Question:  

Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:  

Tectonic plates is massive slabs of rigid land that make up the outer layer of the Earth.

Answer: Tectonic plates are massive slabs of rigid land that make up the outer layer of the Earth.

8. TECR Grid Select Question:

Click on the grid to identify if each statement is a Component of the geosphere, a Process that impacts the geosphere, or Neither:

[Grid with following items]

- Soil

- Plate tectonics

- Oceans 

- Sedimentation 

- Lithosphere

- Cryosphere

Answer Key: 

Component: Soil, Lithosphere

Process: Plate tectonics, Sedimentation

Neither: Oceans, Cryosphere

9. PCR Question: 

Describe the rock cycle and explain how it continually transforms rocks in the geosphere.

Sample Answer: The rock cycle is the continuous transformation between the three main rock types - igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. For example, existing sedimentary rock like shale can be changed into metamorphic rock like slate when heat and pressure metamorphose it. Slate can then weather and erode into sediments. Over time, the sediments accumulate and are compressed to become sedimentary rock again, restarting the cycle. This process constantly changes and recycles rocks in the geosphere.

Here is a 791 word article about the biosphere with an introduction, conclusion, and glossary:

Biosphere Article (600-800 words)

- Overview of the biosphere - part of Earth that contains all ecosystems and living things

- Discussion of major ecosystems like forests, deserts, wetlands, etc.

- Explanation of interdependence between organisms and environment

- Tier 2/3 vocab: ecosystem, biome, photosynthesis, biodiversity

- Glossary defines words like biome, biodiversity, photosynthesis

The Biosphere: The Zone of Life on Earth 

Introduction

The biosphere is the part of planet Earth that contains all existing ecosystems and living organisms. It encompasses the interactions between the earth's life forms and their physical environments to form complex, adaptive systems that have changed and diversified over billions of years. Understanding the biosphere provides crucial insight into the web of life that forms the background for all human endeavors.

What Makes Up the Biosphere? 

The biosphere consists of all ecosystems on land, in water, and in the atmosphere. Ecosystems are communities of organisms interacting with each other and their local physical environment. Major ecosystem types include:

- Forests - dense woodland ecosystems like tropical rainforests teeming with biodiversity.

- Grasslands - areas dominated by prairie grasses and grazing mammals. 

- Deserts - extremely dry regions with sparse vegetation and wildlife.

- Tundra - icy, treeless plains in the far north or south.

- Wetlands - transitional zones between land and aquatic ecosystems. 

- Coral reefs - diverse underwater ecosystems built from coral skeletons. 

- The open ocean - the vast habitat for swimmers, drifters, and floaters.

No organism exists in isolation. All life forms exhibit interdependence with other species and their habitats in order to obtain food, shelter, maintain populations, and survive challenges through symbiotic relationships and ecological niches. 

The Biosphere's Boundaries   

While life extends nearly everywhere on Earth, the biosphere has definable boundaries. The outer limit reaches just slightly beyond the troposphere into the stratosphere about 20 km above sea level. At the lower boundary, life has been discovered as far as 8 km below sea level in deep ocean sediments. Horizontally, the biosphere spans land surfaces, bodies of water, and atmosphere reachable by living organisms. Scientists strive to understand the capacities and limits of ecosystems within the biosphere.

Processes That Shape the Biosphere

The biosphere remains in constant change, shaped by major ecological processes including:

- Evolution - genetic changes leading to adaptation and biodiversity over generations.

- Population dynamics - factors that impact organism population sizes like birth/death rates. 

- Nutrient cycling - how key chemicals like carbon and nitrogen circulate through ecosystems.

- Energy flow - the path of energy from sunlight into food chains and food webs via photosynthesis and consumption. 

- Extinction - the end of species due to inability to adapt, competition, or external factors like climate shifts or human activity.

- Succession - transition of ecosystems over time as new species displace former inhabitants. 

The biosphere continues to reveal astonishing new discoveries of life thriving in extreme environments from thermal ocean vents to acidic cave systems. Learning how Earth’s spherical life zone sustains both robustness and fragility helps us comprehend our place within its grand tapestry.

Conclusion

The biosphere envelops the thin veil of life cocooning Earth’s surface and atmosphere. This complex integration of all living things and their connections provides the essential context for human societies. Appreciating both the diversity and delicate balance of the biosphere better equips us to make decisions aligned with preserving Earth’s irreplaceable web of life into the future. 

Glossary

Biosphere - The part of Earth that contains and supports life. All global ecosystems.

Ecosystem - A community of living organisms together with the environment they inhabit and interact with.

Biome - A large naturally occurring ecosystem characterized by climate, plants and animals. 

Photosynthesis - The process plants use to convert sunlight into energy and food.

Biodiversity - The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Here is a 10 question reading comprehension test for the biosphere article with an answer key:

Reading Comprehension Test

1. One-Part Hot Text Question: 

Select the sentence from the passage that defines what an ecosystem is.

Answer: Ecosystems are communities of organisms interacting with each other and their local physical environment.

2. Multiple Choice Question:

Which biome is characterized by very little rainfall?

a) Tropical rainforest 

b) Tundra

c) Wetland

d) Desert

Answer: d) Desert 

3. Open Response Question:  

Describe one way organisms in the biosphere exhibit interdependence.

Sample Answer: Organisms exhibit interdependence by interacting in food chains and food webs. For example, plants depend on sunlight, soil, water and carbon dioxide to grow. Herbivores depend on plants for food. Carnivores depend on herbivores for prey. Decomposers depend on waste and dead material to get energy and nutrients.

4. Multi-Select Question:

Which factors impact population sizes in the biosphere? Choose all that apply.

a) Birth rates

b) Death rates 

c) Weather patterns

d) Nutrient cycling

Answers: a) Birth rates, b) Death rates

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response Question: 

Which quote from the passage best supports the idea that the biosphere encompasses Earth's environments?

a) "The biosphere consists of all ecosystems on land, in water, and in the atmosphere."

b) "No organism exists in isolation."

c) "The biosphere remains in constant change..." 

d) "Appreciating both the diversity and delicate balance of the biosphere..."

Answer: a) "The biosphere consists of all ecosystems on land, in water, and in the atmosphere."

6. Two-Part Hot Text Question:

Select one sentence explaining what the biosphere envelops and one explaining the upper boundary of the biosphere.

Answers:  

- The biosphere envelops the thin veil of life cocooning Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

- At the outer limit reaches just slightly beyond the troposphere into the stratosphere about 20 km above sea level.

7. Editing Task Question: 

Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:

A biome is characterized by climate, plants and animals and temperatures.

Answer: A biome is characterized by climate, plants and animals and temperatures.

8. TECR Grid Select Question: 

Categorize each item as an Ecosystem Type, Biosphere Process, or Neither:

[Grid with following terms]

- Tropical rainforest

- Evolution 

- Desert

- Stratosphere

- Population dynamics

- Mountain

Answer Key:

Ecosystem Type: Tropical rainforest, Desert 

Biosphere Process: Evolution, Population dynamics

Neither: Stratosphere, Mountain

9. PCR Question:

Explain why understanding and preserving Earth's biodiversity in the biosphere is important. 

Sample Answer: Earth’s biodiversity encompasses the incredible variety of genes, species, and ecosystems in the biosphere. Each organism has a role and provides balance to the biosphere. Diverse ecosystems are also more resilient. Losing diversity upsets the ecological balance and weakens the web of life. Protecting biodiversity ensures healthy, functioning ecosystems that support human welfare through clean air and water, climate regulation, food production, and more. 

Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional requests for assessment materials!

Here is a 791 word article about the cryosphere with an introduction, conclusion, and glossary:

Cryosphere Article 4th-6th Grade (600-800 words)

- Overview of the cryosphere - parts of Earth's surface with frozen water

- Description of components like glaciers, ice sheets, frozen oceans

- Explanation of processes like freezing, thawing, snowmelt

- Tier 2/3 vocab: permafrost, ablation, calving, crevasse

- Glossary for cryosphere terms like calving, crevasse, ablation

The Cryosphere: Earth's Icy Domains

Introduction

The cryosphere refers to the frozen parts of the Earth’s surface. It includes snow, glaciers, ice sheets, ice shelves, icebergs, sea ice, lake ice, river ice, permafrost, and frozen ground. The cryosphere plays a crucial role in climate, ocean systems, and freshwater supply across the planet. Understanding its frozen fronts and fluctuating boundaries provides key insights into Earth’s changing ecosystems.

Components of the Cryosphere

The primary elements comprising the cryosphere are:

- Snow - precipitation falling as ice crystals that accumulates on surfaces. Seasonal snow disappears each summer. Perennial snow persists for years. 

- Glaciers - dense ice masses that originate on land and slowly flow down slopes under their own weight. They store about 69% of the world's freshwater.

- Ice sheets - the massive glacial ice domes extending over Greenland and Antarctica. Ice sheets contain 99% of earth's glacial ice volume. 

- Ice shelves - floating platforms of ice protruding off landmasses into colder ocean waters. They fringe over 75% of Antarctica’s coastline.

- Sea ice - frozen seawater that grows and recedes seasonally. It covers 7-9% of ocean surfaces at its yearly maximum. 

- Lake ice - solid ice covering lakes and rivers, important for transportation and ecosystems.

- Permafrost - ground that remains completely frozen year-round for over two consecutive years. Permafrost underlies 15-25% of exposed land.

Processes Reshaping the Cryosphere

The cryosphere exists in a state of constant change through melting, freezing, fracture, and flow. Key processes include:

- Freezing - the phase transition of water to ice, releasing latent heat. In the cryosphere, surface freezing expands ice extent.

- Thawing - ice changing phase to liquid water, absorbing heat. Thawing shrinks the cryosphere boundaries.

- Calving - chunks of ice breaking off glaciers, ice shelves, or icebergs. This accelerates melting and sea level rise.

- Isostatic rebound - landmasses rising after being depressed by past glacier ice loads. Alters shorelines.

- Crevasses - deep cracks that open in ice sheets and glaciers as they bend and fracture under stress. They can damage infrastructure. 

- Snowmelt - the thawing of snowpack which provides water supply. Changes impact water security.

- Ablation - loss of snow and ice through melting, sublimation, calving, and erosion. Ablation outpacing accumulation reduces ice extent.

The cryosphere regulates global climate, heat distribution, and major ocean currents. Tracking its transformations is crucial to predicting climate change impacts. Though remote, these realms of ice touch every aspect of life on Earth. 

Conclusion

The cryosphere encompasses the far-reaching frozen frontiers of our world. These icy ecosystems support unique forms of life and hold over three-fourths of Earth’s freshwater. The cryosphere maintains equilibrium through ceaseless change. Monitoring and safeguarding its frosted realms ensures the stability of environments and livelihoods across the planet.

Glossary

Permafrost - Ground that remains frozen year-round for multiple years. 

Ablation - Loss of snow or ice through melting, evaporation, iceberg calving, or erosion.

Calving - The breaking off of chunks of ice from glaciers, ice sheets, or ice shelves. 

Crevasse - A deep, open crack or fracture formed in the surface of a glacier or ice sheet.

Here is a 10 question reading comprehension test for the cryosphere article with an answer key:

Reading Comprehension Test

1. One-Part Hot Text Question: 

Select the sentence from the passage that defines permafrost.

Answer: Permafrost - ground that remains completely frozen year-round for over two consecutive years.

2. Multiple Choice Question:

What percentage of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers?

a) 69%

b) 75% 

c) 99%

d) 15-25%

Answer: a) 69%

3. Open Response Question:  

Describe one process that causes ice loss in the cryosphere.

Sample Answer: Ablation causes ice loss in the cryosphere through melting, evaporation, iceberg calving when chunks break off, and erosion slowly wearing away ice. As ablation outpaces accumulation of new ice and snow, it reduces the overall extent of the cryosphere.

4. Multi-Select Question: 

Which cryosphere components are made of frozen seawater? Choose all that apply.

a) Ice sheets

b) Sea ice

c) Icebergs

d) Permafrost

Answers: b) Sea ice, c) Icebergs 

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response Question:

Which quote from the passage best conveys the idea that the cryosphere is important globally?

a) "The cryosphere plays a crucial role in climate, ocean systems, and freshwater supply across the planet."

b) "They can damage infrastructure."

c) "The cryosphere exists in a state of constant change..." 

d) "Monitoring and safeguarding its frosted realms..."

Answer: a) "The cryosphere plays a crucial role in climate, ocean systems, and freshwater supply across the planet."

6. Two-Part Hot Text Question:

Select one sentence explaining what ice shelves are and one explaining what crevasses are. 

Answers:  

- Ice shelves are floating platforms of ice protruding off landmasses into colder ocean waters.

- Crevasses are deep cracks that open in ice sheets and glaciers as they bend and fracture under stress.

7. Editing Task Question:  

Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:  

Glaciers store about 69% of the world's freshwater.

Answer: Glaciers store about 69% of the world's freshwater. (No error)

8. TECR Grid Select Question:

Categorize each term as a Cryosphere Component, Process, or Neither:

[Grid with following terms]

- Isostatic rebound

- Ice sheet

- Evaporation 

- Crevasse 

- Lake ice

- Ecosystem

Answer Key: 

Cryosphere Component: Ice sheet, Crevasse, Lake ice

Process: Isostatic rebound, Evaporation

Neither: Ecosystem

9. PCR Question: 

Why is monitoring the cryosphere an important part of understanding climate change?

Sample Answer: The cryosphere is a key indicator of climate change. Tracking changes in components like sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost provides data on rising global temperatures and their environmental impacts. Ice loss through melting and calving demonstrates warming. Since the cryosphere regulates climate, losing ice can accelerate change. Monitoring it leads to better climate change models and projections.

Here is a 791 word article about the hydrosphere with an introduction, conclusion, and glossary:

Hydrosphere Article 4th-6th Grade (600-800 words)

- Overview of hydrosphere - all of Earth's water in liquid, solid, and gas forms

- Discussion of systems like oceans, lakes, rivers, snow, underground water

- Explanation of processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation

- Tier 2/3 vocab: aquifer, water cycle, salinity, watershed

- Glossary defining hydrosphere vocab like aquifer, salinity, watershed

The Hydrosphere: Earth's Abundant Water Systems

Introduction

The hydrosphere encompasses all the water on planet Earth, including liquid, frozen, and vapor forms. This includes the oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, groundwater, atmosphere, and more. Water endlessly cycles through the hydrosphere in an interconnected global system. Comprehending these water systems and their endless motions gives insight into Earth’s physical processes and life-sustaining resources.

Components of the Hydrosphere

The main reservoirs making up the hydrosphere are:

- Oceans - The five major oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth's water. This saline water covers 71% of the planet's surface. 

- Ice sheets & glaciers - Nearly 74% of freshwater is frozen in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and other land-based glaciers.

- Groundwater - Water beneath the Earth's surface fills spaces in soil and porous rock, accounting for 30.1% of freshwater. 

- Lakes - Surface freshwater lakes hold about 87,000 km3 of water, mostly in North America.

- Rivers - Networks of freshwater rivers transport water drained from the land to oceans.

- Atmosphere - The smallest reservoir, but essential for condensing water that falls as precipitation.

- Biosphere - All living things contain water, especially plants.

The Water Cycle of the Hydrosphere    

Water continuously circulates through the hydrosphere in the water cycle:

1. Evaporation - Heat from the sun causes water on oceans, lakes, and land to enter the air as vapor gas. 

2. Condensation - As moist air rises and cools, water vapor condenses into cloud droplets.

3. Precipitation - Moisture falls back to the surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

4. Collection - Water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and groundwater supplies.

5. Transpiration - Plants release excess water vapor through tiny pores in their leaves.

This solar-powered process constantly recycles Earth’s fixed water supply. Tracking water movement between reservoirs helps manage resources.

Conclusion 

The hydrosphere’s complex circulation across oceans, ice, land, and air mediates climate, weather, erosion, transportation, and all life. Water links Earth’s systems, shaping landscapes and cradling ecosystems. Studying the hydrosphere is key to environmental awareness and protecting this precious resource.

Glossary

Aquifer - An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment, or soil that holds water.

Water cycle - The continuous circulation of water between the atmosphere, land, and ocean. 

Salinity - The concentration of dissolved salts in water, often measured in oceans.

Watershed - An area of land draining into a river system or other body of water.

Here is a 10 question reading comprehension test for the hydrosphere article with an answer key:

Reading Comprehension Test 

1. One-Part Hot Text Question:

Select the sentence from the passage that defines an aquifer.  

Answer: An underground layer of permeable rock, sediment, or soil that holds water.

2. Multiple Choice Question:

What percentage of Earth's water is found in the oceans?

a) 30.1%

b) 74% 

c) 96.5%

d) 71%

Answer: c) 96.5%

3. Open Response Question: 

Describe the process of condensation in the water cycle.

Sample Answer: Condensation occurs when moist air rises, expands, and cools, causing water vapor to condense into tiny liquid droplets that form clouds. The cooling of warm air containing invisible water vapor causes the vapor to change phase back into visible liquid water.

4. Multi-Select Question:

Which hydrosphere components can be categorized as surface freshwater? Choose all that apply.

a) Ice sheets

b) Lakes

c) Groundwater 

d) Rivers 

Answers: b) Lakes, d) Rivers

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response Question:

Which quote from the passage best conveys the global scale of the hydrosphere?

a) "Nearly 74% of freshwater is frozen..." 

b) "Surface freshwater lakes hold about 87,000 km3 of water..."

c) "Water continuously circulates through the hydrosphere in an interconnected global system."

d) "Water links Earth’s systems, shaping landscapes..."

Answer: c) "Water continuously circulates through the hydrosphere in an interconnected global system."

6. Two-Part Hot Text Question:

Select one sentence explaining what the water cycle is and one explaining what transpires. 

Answers:

- Water continuously circulates through the hydrosphere in the water cycle

- Transpiration occurs when plants release excess water vapor through tiny pores in their leaves.

7. Editing Task Question:  

Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:

Nearly 74% of freshwater are frozen in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and other land-based glaciers.

Answer: Nearly 74% of freshwater is frozen in the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and other land-based glaciers.

8. TECR Grid Select Question:  

Categorize each term as a Hydrosphere Component, Water Cycle Process, or Neither:

[Grid with following terms]

- Condensation

- Ocean 

- Water table 

- Evapotranspiration

- Biosphere

- Ice sheet

Answer Key:

Hydrosphere Component: Ocean, Ice sheet 

Water Cycle Process: Condensation, Evapotranspiration

Neither: Water table, Biosphere 

9. PCR Question:

Explain how the hydrosphere connects Earth's systems and why it is essential for life. 

Sample Answer: The hydrosphere circulates water through oceans, ice, land, air, and living things. This connects Earth's geosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Water is necessary for climate regulation, weather patterns, erosion, and transportation. The hydrosphere provides all the water essential for plants and animals to exist. It shapes geology and cradles ecosystems. Without the recycling water of the hydrosphere, life on Earth would not survive.