Geography Chapters

1. Continents and Oceans2. Biosphere3. Lithosphere4. Hydrosphere5. Atmosphere6. Latitudes and Longitudes7. Different Heat Zones of the Earth8. Longitudes and Time Zones9. International Date Line10. Motion of the Earth11. Effect of the Tilted Axis on Day and Night12. The Atmosphere (Composition and Layers)13. Weather and Climate14. Atmospheric Pressure15. Internal Structure of the Earth16. Rocks17. Earthquakes and Volcanoes18. Various Landforms (Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Grasslands)19. Landforms Created by River System20. Landforms Created by Glacier21. Landforms Created by Wind22. Landforms Created by Groundwater23. The Indian Subcontinent Position, Extent, and Physical Features24. Climatic Diversity in the Indian Subcontinent25. Soil Resources of the Indian Subcontinent26. Agriculture in India27. Land Use Pattern of India28. Water Resources and Their Utilization in India29. Multipurpose River Valley Projects30. Transport in India31. Rivers of India

Hydrosphere

“The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth's surface — in oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater, and even water vapor in the atmosphere.”

Definition of Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere refers to the total amount of water present on, under, and above the surface of the Earth. It includes water in all three forms – solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor).

Flow Diagram: Components of Hydrosphere

Hydrosphere
Oceans & Seas
97% of Earth’s water
Ice Caps & Glaciers
~2% of fresh water
Rivers, Lakes, Groundwater
< 1% usable fresh water
Atmospheric Water
Water vapor, clouds

Key Facts about Hydrosphere

  • ~71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water.
  • 97% of water is saline, mostly in oceans.
  • Only 3% is fresh water — most of it is locked in ice caps.
  • Less than 1% of fresh water is available for human use.

Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle)

The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff is called the water cycle.

Water Cycle
Evaporation
Water turns into vapor
Condensation
Vapor forms clouds
Precipitation
Rain, snow, etc.
Runoff & Infiltration
Water returns to oceans or underground

Importance of Hydrosphere

  • Supports all forms of life.
  • Regulates climate through heat distribution.
  • Essential for agriculture, industry, and drinking.
  • Influences weather patterns and erosion.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

  • SSC CHSL 2021: What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered with water?
  • 71%
  • SSC CGL 2020: What is the main source of fresh water on Earth?
  • Ice caps and glaciers
  • RRB NTPC 2016: Which process in the water cycle forms clouds?
  • Condensation
  • HSSC CET 2022: What is the term for underground water storage?
  • Groundwater
  • SSC MTS 2023: Which is the largest water body on Earth?
  • Pacific Ocean
  • SSC CPO 2019: Which cycle describes water movement in nature?
  • Water cycle
  • RRB Group D 2018: What is the gaseous form of water called?
  • Water vapor
  • SSC JE 2017: Which component of hydrosphere contains the most water?
  • Oceans
  • SSC GD 2022: Which form of water is found in glaciers?
  • Solid
  • SSC CGL 2018: What is infiltration in the water cycle?
  • Water seeping into the ground
Note: Although water is abundant on Earth, only a small percentage is usable freshwater. Conservation and management of the hydrosphere is essential.
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