Question

Short Answer Type Questions:
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 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 icesheets and glaciers or under the ground. A very small percentage ($0.03\%$) is available as fresh water. It is this water that we use.