Introduction to the Hydrosphere
The Hydrosphere is defined as the total amount of water present on Earth, which is crucial for supporting life and regulating global climate. Water exists in various forms, including in the oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, in glaciers, underground reservoirs, and as water vapor in the atmosphere. This section introduces the importance of the hydrosphere, illustrating its contributions to life on Earth and its role in climatic processes. Understanding the distribution and nature of the hydrosphere is fundamental for the ensuing topics in the chapter.