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CHAPTER 1 WATER AND THE BLUE PLANET 1.1 Introduction Of “The Blue Planet” (The Earth)
71% of the earth is covered by water.
29% of the surface is covered by land.
It is the only known planet with life.

Fig1.1 the blue planet The earth is known as “Blue Planet” occupies a special place in the solar system. The earth consists of three spheres. They are known as Atmosphere, the Hydrosphere and the Lithosphere. The interrelationship that exists among these three spheres is the foundation of the Biosphere. Atmosphere Bio
Sphere

Lithosphere Hydrosphere Fig1.2 Components of the biosphere) 1.2. Special features of these different spheres 1. Atmosphere: It is composed of various gases and water particulars. 2. Hydrosphere: 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water. It consists of oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and streams. 3. Lithosphere: It is the surface layer of the earth. 4. Biosphere: There is a biodiversity which consists of numerous eco-systems. 1.3. Hydrosphere: The earth covered by water can be termed as Hydrosphere. The water over the earth’s surface changes into solid, liquid or gas forms alternatively. The distribution of water over the surface of the earth is shown below. Vapour 0.001% Soil water 0.005%
Lakes
0.009%

Ground Water 0.62%

Glacier 2.15% Oceans 97.2%

9 f f f s

Rivers 0.0001%

References: Date of submission of the Report : January, 2013.