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Hydrosphere – Study Notes
Unit I: Introduction to Environment (30 Questions) Environment: Components – Segments –
Atmosphere: Troposphere – Stratosphere – Mesosphere – Thermosphere – Lithosphere: Crust – Mantle
– Core – Hydrosphere: Fresh water and saline water
Introduction
The Hydrosphere encompasses all the water found on, under, and above the surface of the
Earth. It includes oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater, and atmospheric water vapor.
Water is essential for all forms of life, and the hydrosphere plays a critical role in shaping
weather, climate, landforms, and sustaining ecosystems.
Definition and Components
Definition:
The Hydrosphere is defined as the combined mass of water found on, under, and over the
surface of a planet.
Major Components of the Hydrosphere:
Component Percentage of Total Water
Oceans and Seas 97.2%
Icecaps and Glaciers 2.0%
Groundwater 0.7%
Lakes and Rivers 0.01%
Atmospheric Moisture 0.001%
Distribution of Water on Earth
Saltwater (Oceans & Seas): ~97%
Freshwater: ~3%, most of it locked in glaciers and ice caps.
Only about 0.3% of freshwater is accessible for human use (in rivers, lakes, and
groundwater).
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Oceans and Seas
Major Oceans:
1. Pacific Ocean – Largest and deepest.
2. Atlantic Ocean – Second largest.
3. Indian Ocean – Warmest.
4. Southern (Antarctic) Ocean – Surrounds Antarctica.
5. Arctic Ocean – Smallest and shallowest.
Importance:
Regulate global climate and temperature.
Influence monsoons and rainfall.
Home to marine biodiversity.
Source of food (fish) and minerals.
Routes for international trade.
Surface Water Bodies
Rivers and Lakes:
Essential for freshwater supply.
Used in agriculture, drinking water, hydroelectric power, and transportation.
Major rivers: Amazon, Nile, Ganges, Yangtze.
Largest freshwater lake by volume: Lake Baikal (Russia).
Largest freshwater lake by area: Lake Superior (North America).
Wetlands:
Marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Act as natural water filters and flood protectors.
Rich in biodiversity.
Glaciers and Ice Caps
Contain about 68% of Earth's freshwater.
Located primarily in Antarctica and Greenland.
Play a key role in reflecting solar radiation.
Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise and climate change.
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Water in the Atmosphere
Exists as water vapor, clouds, and precipitation.
Small in quantity, but crucial for weather systems.
Part of the hydrological (water) cycle.
Groundwater
Stored in the pores of soil and rock formations (aquifers).
A vital source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
Overextraction leads to depletion and land subsidence.
Contamination from chemicals poses a threat to health and agriculture.
The Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle)
The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere through various processes.
� Main Processes:
1. Evaporation – Water changes from liquid to vapor.
2. Transpiration – Water loss from plants.
3. Condensation – Water vapor forms clouds.
4. Precipitation – Rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Runoff – Water flows over land into rivers and oceans.
6. Infiltration – Water seeps into the ground.
7. Groundwater flow – Water moves underground.
� Importance:
Regulates temperature.
Distributes nutrients.
Maintains ecosystems.
Supports agriculture and industry.
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Biological Importance of the Hydrosphere
Water is essential for all life processes: digestion, circulation, photosynthesis.
Aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, oceans are rich in biodiversity.
Regulates body temperature in humans and animals.
Acts as a solvent and medium for biochemical reactions.
Role in Climate and Weather
Oceans absorb and distribute solar heat.
Evaporation from water bodies adds moisture to the air, forming clouds and precipitation.
Ocean currents (like the Gulf Stream) regulate global weather patterns.
Sea surface temperatures influence phenomena like El Niño and La Niña.
Significance of the Hydrosphere
Significance
Aspect
Ecological Supports aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity
Economic Basis for agriculture, fisheries, transport
Social Provides drinking water, hygiene, recreation
Climate Regulates temperature and weather patterns
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