hydrosphere Flashcards
what is hydrospere
The hydrosphere refers to the combined mass of water found on, under, and over the surface of the Earth, interacting with the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere to maintain the Earth’s ecological balance.
What is the cryosphere,
Definition: The cryosphere includes all frozen water on Earth—glaciers, ice caps, sea ice, permafrost, and snow cover.
Ice Sheets (e.g., Antarctica, Greenland)
Glaciers (e.g., Himalayas, Andes)
Sea Ice (e.g., Arctic, Antarctic)
Permafrost (frozen soil)
Snow Cover and Icebergs
What are the key roles and significance of the hydrosphere in Earth’s systems?
Sustains Life:
Provides water essential for all living organisms.
Supports agriculture, drinking water, and industrial processes.
Climate Regulation:
Oceans regulate Earth’s temperature by absorbing and distributing solar heat.
Water vapor contributes to the greenhouse effect and weather patterns.
Hydrological Cycle:
Drives the continuous exchange of water through evaporation, precipitation, and runoff.
Ensures the availability of freshwater.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems:
Maintains aquatic ecosystems like oceans, rivers, and wetlands.
Critical for marine life and coral reefs.
Economic Importance:
Supports fisheries, shipping, tourism, and energy production (e.g., hydropower).
Shaping Landforms:
Rivers and glaciers sculpt landscapes through erosion and deposition.
Carbon and Nutrient Storage:
Oceans act as carbon sinks, reducing atmospheric CO₂.
Facilitates nutrient cycling crucial for marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Disaster Mitigation and Influence:
Regulates phenomena like floods, tsunamis, and droughts.
Cultural and Aesthetic Value:
Integral to cultural heritage and recreational activities.
hat does the Ram Setu primarily symbolize in the Ramayana?
A. Ancient maritime warfare
B. A cultural and religious landmark
C. Advanced engineering and navigation knowledge
D. Both B and C
Answer: D
The Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, connects which of the following locations?
Pamban Island and Mannar Island
Which of the following ancient texts provides evidence of maritime trade and voyages in India?
A. Jataka Tales
B. Atharvaveda
C. Mahabharata
D. Manu Smriti
Answer: A
Which of the following ancient Indian ports facilitated extensive trade with Mesopotamia and Egypt?
A. Kaveripattinam
B. Bharuch
C. Tamralipti
D. Lothal
Answer: C
The Gulf of Mannar, near the Ram Setu, was significant in ancient times because:
B. It served as a major maritime trade route.
What percentage of Earth’s water is saline (saltwater)?
~97.5%
According to scientific studies, the Ram Setu is primarily made of:
Limestone shoals
Which ancient Indian text mentions shipbuilding techniques and maritime trade?
A. Arthashastra
B. Rigveda
C. Yuktikalpataru
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Q4. Which of the following is considered one of the earliest known ports of ancient India?
A. Kaveripattinam
B. Lothal
C. Bharuch
D. Tamralipti
B. Lothal
Which contains the majority of Earth’s freshwater?
Ice Caps and Glaciers (~68.7%)
What is the approximate percentage of Earth’s surface covered by oceans?
71
What is the total volume of Earth’s water?
Approximately 1.332 billion cubic kilometers
