Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Oceans | 1. 2.0 B. Ice-caps | 2. 0.68 C. Ground water | 3. 0.0001 D. Rivers | 4. 97.3

The correct option is A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 Explanation The Earth's hydrosphere encompasses all water present on the planet. This water is distributed unevenly across oceans, continents, and the atmosphere. The vast majority exists as saline water, while fresh water constitutes a very small fraction. Distribution Analysis: - Oceans (A): The oceans are the largest reservoir of water, containing approximately 97.3% of the total global water volume. This water is saline and not directly fit for human consumption. (Matches 4) - Ice-caps (B): The largest portion of Earth's fresh water is locked in solid form within ice caps and glaciers, accounting for approximately 2.0% of total water. (Matches 1) - Ground water (C): Subsurface water, or groundwater, represents about 0.68% of the total water. It is a critical source of fresh water for many regions. (Matches 2) - Rivers (D): Surface water flowing in rivers constitutes a minute fraction of the hydrosphere, approximately 0.0001%. (Matches 3) Key Takeaway: Over 97% of Earth's water is saline ocean water. Of the remaining fresh water, the majority is stored in ice caps and glaciers, followed by groundwater, with surface water bodies like rivers comprising a negligible percentage.

NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 1: Water

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List I	List II
A. Oceans	1. 2.0
B. Ice-caps	2. 0.68
C. Ground water	3. 0.0001
D. Rivers	4. 97.3

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
BA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
CA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
DA-1, B-4, C-2, D-3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Explanation

The Earth's hydrosphere encompasses all water present on the planet. This water is distributed unevenly across oceans, continents, and the atmosphere. The vast majority exists as saline water, while fresh water constitutes a very small fraction.

Distribution Analysis:

Oceans (A): The oceans are the largest reservoir of water, containing approximately 97.3% of the total global water volume. This water is saline and not directly fit for human consumption. (Matches 4)
Ice-caps (B): The largest portion of Earth's fresh water is locked in solid form within ice caps and glaciers, accounting for approximately 2.0% of total water. (Matches 1)
Ground water (C): Subsurface water, or groundwater, represents about 0.68% of the total water. It is a critical source of fresh water for many regions. (Matches 2)
Rivers (D): Surface water flowing in rivers constitutes a minute fraction of the hydrosphere, approximately 0.0001%. (Matches 3)

Key Takeaway: Over 97% of Earth's water is saline ocean water. Of the remaining fresh water, the majority is stored in ice caps and glaciers, followed by groundwater, with surface water bodies like rivers comprising a negligible percentage.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

The process by which water continually changes its form and circulates between oceans, atmosphere, and land is best described by which of the following terms?

easy

With reference to the distribution of water on Earth, consider the following statements: 1. Groundwater has a larger volume than inland seas and salt lakes. 2. Inland seas and salt lakes contain more water than the atmosphere. 3. The volume of water in the atmosphere is greater than that in rivers. 4. Rivers hold the least volume of water among these four sources. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the Earth's water: 1. The water cycle ensures that the water existing today is entirely different from the water that existed centuries ago. 2. The major sources of fresh water include rivers, ponds, springs, and glaciers. 3. The amount of water in the atmosphere is higher than that in fresh water lakes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of water distribution, which of the following accounts for the largest percentage of fresh water on Earth?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding salinity: 1. Salinity is defined as the amount of salt in grams present in 1000 grams of water. 2. The average salinity of the oceans is generally 45 parts per thousand. 3. Most of the salt in the ocean is sodium chloride. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: Water

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The correct option is

A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Explanation

Distribution Analysis:

Oceans (A): The oceans are the largest reservoir of water, containing approximately 97.3% of the total global water volume. This water is saline and not directly fit for human consumption. (Matches 4)
Ice-caps (B): The largest portion of Earth's fresh water is locked in solid form within ice caps and glaciers, accounting for approximately 2.0% of total water. (Matches 1)
Ground water (C): Subsurface water, or groundwater, represents about 0.68% of the total water. It is a critical source of fresh water for many regions. (Matches 2)
Rivers (D): Surface water flowing in rivers constitutes a minute fraction of the hydrosphere, approximately 0.0001%. (Matches 3)