THE HYDROSHPERE

In physical geography, the term hydrosphere describes the collective mass of water found on, under and over a planet’s surface. The Earth’s hydrosphere consists chiefly of the oceans, but technically includes clouds, inland seas, lakes, rivers and underground waters. Ninety-seven percent of the Earth’s water is in the oceans. The remaining three percent is fresh water; three quarters or the fresh water is solid and exists in ice sheets. Earth is the only planet where water is found, and it is found in its three different forms;

• Liquid (water)

• Gas (vapor)

• Solid (ice)

Nearly 3/4 of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, hence the nick-name “the Blue Planet”. Remember, water is also found in the ground and in the soil as well

The biosphere serves as an interface between the spheres enabling water to move between the hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere as is accomplished by plant transpiration. The hydrologic cycle traces the movement of water and energy between these various stores and spheres.