Water's Role

Water covers nearly three-quarters of the surface of Earth. The crucial role of water on our planet becomes apparent when observed and measured through NASA's satellites orbiting high above. One satellite, called Aqua, continuously monitors water on Earth, including evaporation from the ocean, transpiration from plants, clouds in the atmosphere, precipitation, and soil moisture on land. By observing water in all its forms around the globe, Aqua enables scientists to see a more complete picture of the dynamic processes that shape our planet.

Let’s take a closer look at one component of the water cycle—evaporation. In this video, you will visit the Cape Verde Islands to explore how water vapor rising from the surface of the sea in one location on Earth can transform into a catastrophic hurricane somewhere else.

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Take Notes

Watch the video and describe below the parts of Earth’s systems that you see interacting.