Summary and Final Tasks

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The material in Module 2 has, we hope, led you to a better understanding of the distribution of water at the Earth’s surface and the processes that influence that distribution. Ultimately, much of the water that falls as precipitation on land has evaporated from the ocean surface and rains out because of processes (topographic relief, interactions with another air mass) that cause a moisture-laden air mass to rise and cool. You can now predict where areas of higher precipitation occur, as well as explaining the origin of desert regions, and you can explain the coupling of energy and water in Earth’s climate system. A general understanding of Earth’s climate zones and prevailing wind systems is a necessary background for the modules that follow. We next consider the fate of precipitation and the origin and behavior of river systems (Module 3) that eventually return some of the water (about 30%) that falls on landmasses to the ocean.

Reminder - Complete all of the Module 2 tasks!

You have reached the end of Module 2! Double-check the to-do list on the Module 2 Roadmap to make sure you have completed all of the activities listed there before moving on to Module 3!

References and Further Reading

The Big Thirst Chapter 3