The Earth’s HYDROSPHERE

HYDROSPHEREis 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.

• Oceanographers – scientists who study the ocean

• Salinity – term used to describe the amount of dissolved salts in ocean water.

THE STRUCTURE OF HYDROSPHERE

• Oceans- 96.5% of water found here• Fresh water-3.5% of water found here• Fresh water distribution:

Ice: 1.762%Groundwater: 1.7%Surface Fresh Water: 0.014%Atmosphere and soil: 0.002%

The Importance of Hydrosphere

•Water is a part of living cells•Water provides a habitat• Regulating climate• Human needs

Ocean Floor

5 MAJOR OCEANS OF THE WORLD

• Atlantic ocean• Indian ocean• Pacific ocean – largest , deepest• Antarctic ocean• Arctic ocean