HYDROSPHERE Interesting Facts:
Water is the most plentiful substance on the Earth's surface. Ocean waters make up most of the present day hydrosphere (97%). Ice caps and glaciers represent about 2% of the Earth's water. Although the overall % of water from lakes and rivers is small, the rate of circulation of this water through the water cycle is relatively rapid. The total water in the atmosphere turns over every 9.6 days. |
Interactions with other spheres:
The hydrosphere interacts with the biosphere and the atmosphere when water vapor returns to the atmosphere through transpiration. Species and habitats in the biosphere require water from the hydrosphere to survive. The hydrosphere overlaps with the cryosphere when water freezes. |