Hydrosphere

Definition

The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and ice. It plays a crucial role in regulating climate and supporting life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hydrosphere covers about 71% of Earth's surface.
2. Water in the hydrosphere moves through the water cycle, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
3. Oceans are the largest reservoir of the Earth's water, containing about 97% of it.
4. The hydrosphere interacts with other Earth spheres such as the atmosphere (through evaporation) and lithosphere (through erosion).
5. Freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of the hydrosphere's total volume.

Review Questions

• What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by the hydrosphere?
• How does water move within the hydrosphere?
• Which sphere does the hydrosphere interact with during erosion?

Related terms

Biosphere:

The global sum of all ecosystems where life exists.

Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth which interacts with the hydrosphere through processes like evaporation.

Lithosphere: The rigid outer part of Earth consisting of crust and upper mantle that interacts with the hydrosphere through geological processes.