Hydrosphere | Environmental Science | EVS | LetsTute

Summary

This engaging session explores the hydrosphere, the vast water-covered aspect of Earth, which accounts for 71% of its surface. It highlights the three states of water—solid, liquid, and gas—and emphasizes the importance of fresh water, which constitutes only 3% of all water on the planet. The discussion covers the critical role water plays in human survival, agriculture, and industry, while underscoring the necessity of water conservation. The session concludes with a teaser for the next topic, the water cycle, inviting viewers to subscribe and engage with the content.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Earth is known as the 'water planet' because 71% of its surface is covered with water.
• 💧 The hydrosphere encompasses all the water found on Earth's surface, underground, and in the atmosphere.
• ❄️ Water exists in three states: solid (glaciers, snow, ice caps), liquid (rivers, seas, oceans), and gas (steam).
• 🌊 About 97% of Earth's water is saline, found in seas and oceans, making it unsuitable for drinking.
• 🚰 Only 3% of Earth's water is fresh, with 69% of that stored in glaciers and ice caps.
• 💦 Just 0.03% of total water is available for human consumption, highlighting the importance of water conservation.
• 🌱 Water is vital for the survival of all living organisms, and it is believed that life first originated in water.
• 🏡 Water is used for various purposes: agricultural (irrigation), domestic (drinking, cooking), and industrial (operations).
• ♻️ The water cycle is a natural process that replenishes water, maintaining its levels despite usage.
• 📚 Understanding the hydrosphere is crucial for appreciating the role of water in our lives and the environment.

Q & A

What is the hydrosphere?

The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth's surface, below the ground, and surrounding the planet, existing in various forms such as rivers, seas, oceans, snow, rain, glaciers, and ice caps.

Why is Earth referred to as the 'water planet'?

Earth is known as the 'water planet' because a significant portion of its surface is covered by water, making it appear blue from space.

What are the three states of water found in the hydrosphere?

Water exists in three states: solid (glaciers, snow, ice caps), liquid (rivers, seas, oceans, rainfall), and gas (steam from boiling water).

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?

Approximately 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, while the remaining 29% consists of land.

How much of the Earth's water is fresh water?

Only about 3% of Earth's water is fresh water, with 97% being saline water found in seas and oceans.

Where is most of the Earth's fresh water located?

Around 69% of Earth's fresh water is stored in glaciers and ice caps, followed by underground water, and only about 1% is found in rivers and lakes.

Why is water conservation important?

Water conservation is crucial because a very small percentage (0.03%) of the total water on Earth is suitable for drinking, highlighting the need to preserve this vital resource.

What role does water play in the survival of living organisms?

Water is essential for the survival of living organisms; it is believed that the first form of life originated in water, and it constitutes about 70% of the human body weight.

What are the main uses of water?

Water is used for various purposes, including agricultural (for crop growth), domestic (household needs), and industrial (for various operations in industries).

How is the percentage of water on Earth maintained despite its usage?

The percentage of water on Earth is maintained through a natural process called the water cycle, which recycles and replenishes water.