The hydrosphere is the liquid water component of the Earth. It includes the oceans, seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. The hydrosphere covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth and is the home for many plants and animals. Total capacity of hydrosphereis about 1,4 billion km². Only 2,58% is fresh water, another 97,5 are the Ocean and salt water on the land.Hydrosphere includes
ü the oceans
ü seas
ü lakes
ü ponds
ü rivers and
ü streams.
Water – the most widespread substance on the planet. Usable water in the world: oceans 97%, rivers, lakes and groundwater – 1%, glaciers – 2%. Composition of the earth’s water supply: 97,5% - salt water, 2,5% - fresh water, 0,01% - available fresh water.
According to chemical composition water is the hydrogen oxide – H2O. Properties of water include