hüdrosfäär

The hydrosphere is the total amount of water on a planet. It includes water on the surface, underground, and in the air. On Earth, the hydrosphere is composed of oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Water exists in three states within the hydrosphere: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). The vast majority of Earth's water is saltwater, found in oceans and seas. Freshwater, essential for most life, is primarily found in glaciers, ice caps, and groundwater. Surface freshwater, like lakes and rivers, represents a much smaller fraction.

The hydrosphere plays a crucial role in Earth's climate system and geological processes. The water cycle, a continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, is driven by solar energy and gravity. This cycle involves evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and surface runoff, redistributing water across the planet.

Human activities can significantly impact the hydrosphere. Pollution of water bodies, overuse of freshwater resources, and climate change-induced alterations in precipitation patterns and ice melt are major concerns. Understanding the hydrosphere is vital for managing water resources sustainably and mitigating environmental challenges.