Consider the following statements regarding the Hydrosphere: 1. More than 97% of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans. 2. The water in the oceans is generally fresh and fit for human consumption. 3. A large proportion of fresh water is found in ice sheets and glaciers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, and atmospheric vapor. The distribution of this water is heavily skewed towards saline bodies. - Statement 1 is correct: More than 97% of the Earth’s total water supply is found in the oceans. This constitutes the vast majority of the hydrosphere. - Statement 2 is incorrect: The water found in the oceans is saline (salty) due to high concentrations of dissolved mineral salts. It is not fresh and is unfit for human consumption without desalination. - Statement 3 is correct: Fresh water makes up only a small fraction (approximately 2.5% to 3%) of the total water on Earth. Of this fresh water, the largest proportion (nearly 68-69%) is trapped in ice sheets and glaciers. Groundwater accounts for most of the remainder, while surface water (rivers, lakes) constitutes a very small percentage. Key Takeaway: Although water covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, over 97% of it is saline ocean water. The majority of the limited fresh water available is inaccessible, locked in ice caps and glaciers.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Hydrosphere:

More than 97% of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans.
The water in the oceans is generally fresh and fit for human consumption.
A large proportion of fresh water is found in ice sheets and glaciers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, and atmospheric vapor. The distribution of this water is heavily skewed towards saline bodies.

Statement 1 is correct: More than 97% of the Earth’s total water supply is found in the oceans. This constitutes the vast majority of the hydrosphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The water found in the oceans is saline (salty) due to high concentrations of dissolved mineral salts. It is not fresh and is unfit for human consumption without desalination.
Statement 3 is correct: Fresh water makes up only a small fraction (approximately 2.5% to 3%) of the total water on Earth. Of this fresh water, the largest proportion (nearly 68-69%) is trapped in ice sheets and glaciers. Groundwater accounts for most of the remainder, while surface water (rivers, lakes) constitutes a very small percentage.

Key Takeaway: Although water covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, over 97% of it is saline ocean water. The majority of the limited fresh water available is inaccessible, locked in ice caps and glaciers.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the continents of the world: 1. Asia is the largest continent and covers about one-third of the total land area of the earth. 2. The Equator passes through the center of the Asian continent. 3. Asia is separated from Europe by the Andes Mountains on the west. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Lithosphere, consider the following statements: 1. It comprises the rocks of the earth’s crust and the thin layers of soil. 2. The elevation of land is measured from the ocean floor. 3. The level of seawater remains the same everywhere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following terms describes the narrow zone where land, water, and air are found together and which contains all forms of life?

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Consider the following pairs regarding the shapes of major oceans: Ocean | Shape/Characteristic 1. Pacific Ocean | Almost circular 2. Atlantic Ocean | 'S' shaped 3. Indian Ocean | Almost triangular 4. Arctic Ocean | Highly indented coastline How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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Which of the following continents is the only one through which the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn pass?

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, and atmospheric vapor. The distribution of this water is heavily skewed towards saline bodies.

Statement 1 is correct: More than 97% of the Earth’s total water supply is found in the oceans. This constitutes the vast majority of the hydrosphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The water found in the oceans is saline (salty) due to high concentrations of dissolved mineral salts. It is not fresh and is unfit for human consumption without desalination.
Statement 3 is correct: Fresh water makes up only a small fraction (approximately 2.5% to 3%) of the total water on Earth. Of this fresh water, the largest proportion (nearly 68-69%) is trapped in ice sheets and glaciers. Groundwater accounts for most of the remainder, while surface water (rivers, lakes) constitutes a very small percentage.