Hydrosphere: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'hydrosphere' is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'sphaira' meaning sphere.
• The word started being used in scientific contexts in the mid-19th century to describe Earth's water systems.

Science

• The hydrosphere covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, with the vast majority of this water found in the oceans.
• Glaciers and ice caps hold around 2% of the world's freshwater, directly impacting sea levels when they melt.
• The water cycle, which includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, is a fundamental component of the hydrosphere.

Environmental Studies

• Climate change significantly affects the hydrosphere, impacting ocean temperatures and altering precipitation patterns.
• Pollution in the hydrosphere can lead to negative effects on biodiversity and human health.

Geography

• Major ecosystems within the hydrosphere include marine environments, freshwater wetlands, and rivers.
• The largest body of water in the hydrosphere is the Pacific Ocean, which holds more than half of the world's oceanic water.

Cultural Significance

• Water is often considered a sacred element in many cultures, symbolizing life and purity.
• Many civilizations have flourished near water sources, highlighting the importance of the hydrosphere in human development.

This word's position of #33,928 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33925 assertively
• 33926 pulsate
• 33927 yapping
• 33928 hydrosphere
• 33929 braze
• 33930 radiogram
• 33931 attune
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