Question

Short Answer Type Question:

Write a short note on the ‘hydrosphere’.

Answer 1

The hydrosphere refers to the water bodies that are found on the earth’s surface. More than 71% of the earth is covered with water. This water is found in all its forms—ice, water and water vapour. Running water in oceans and rivers and in lakes, ice in glaciers, underground water and the water vapour in the atmosphere. More than 97% of the earth’s water is found in oceans. The ocean water is very salty, hence not of human utility. A large proportion of the rest of the water is in the form of the ice sheets and glaciers or under the ground. A very small percentage (0.03%) is available as freshwater. It is this water that we use.