RUNOFF AND GLACIERS

RUNNOFF AND GLACIERS LESSON

Directions:

Print the Runoff and Glaciers reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions.  Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt

   When water returns to Earth as precipitation, there are several things that can happen to the water.  It can evaporate and go back into the atmosphere.  It can sink into the ground and become groundwater.  It can be used by plants and animals.  It can become frozen and stay on Earth's surface as glaciers or icebergs. It can become runoff.

     Nearly forty percent of all precipitation becomes runoff.  As the water runs off land, it carries weathered particles with it, eroding the area.  Even large, heavy particles may be dragged along.  As they move, the large pieces may break down more, smaller particles to be carried away.

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