We explain what the hydrosphere is and how it is distributed on planet Earth. Also, some features of this system.
What is the hydrosphere?
In the field of Earth Sciences, the hydrosphere is known as the system of water deposits and circulations that exist on the solid surface of the planet and which includes oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice and snow.
The Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that has deposits of liquid water, which makes it ideal for life as we know it. The water covers approximately two-thirds of the surface of the Earth for a total of more or less 1400 trillion liters, distributed in various steps as follows:
- Oceans. About 1,370,323,000 km3 equivalent to 93.96%
- Wateryes undergrounds. From 60,000,000 to 4,000,000 km3 for 4.12%
- Inland waters and glaciers. 24,000,000 km3 for 1.65%
- Reservoirs and lakes. from 280,000 to 5,000 km3 for 0.019%
- Soil humidity. 85,000 km3 for 0.006%
- Atmospheric humidity. 14,000 km3 for 0.001%
- River water. 1,200 km3 for 0.0001%
Depending on where the water is located, its capacity for renewal and its speed of change will vary. In its gaseous form it is completely renewed about 34 times a year, while it completely leaves the atmosphere in 10 days. Instead, It takes ocean water about 3,700 years to completely renew itself..
The hydrosphere It is in constant movement and exchange of fluids as the water cycle occurs. or water cycle, in which this liquid evaporates, precipitates and freezes cyclically, depending on the pressure and temperature conditions of the different regions. This cycle is essential for life on the planet: precipitation moistens the soils and feeds mountain rivers, while evaporation keeps the air humid and eliminates excess water, perpetuating the cycle.
References
- “Hydrosphere” in The Guide, geography section.
- “The Hydrosphere” in Geography.
- “Hydrosphere” in Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
