The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The total volume of water on Earth is distributed among various reservoirs. While oceans constitute the vast majority (approximately 97.25%), the remaining fresh and saline water is distributed among ice caps, groundwater, lakes, soil moisture, the atmosphere, rivers, and the biosphere in a specific descending order of magnitude.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Groundwater accounts for approximately 0.68% of the total water on Earth. In contrast, inland seas and salt lakes constitute a much smaller fraction, approximately 0.004%. Thus, groundwater has a significantly larger volume.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Inland seas and salt lakes (approx. 0.004%) contain a higher volume of water than the atmosphere, which holds approximately 0.001% of the Earth's total water.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The volume of water in the atmosphere (approx. 0.001%) is greater than that in rivers and streams, which account for only about 0.0001%.
- Statement 4 is Correct: Comparing the four sources mentioned-Groundwater (0.68%), Inland Seas/Salt Lakes (0.004%), Atmosphere (0.001%), and Rivers (0.0001%)-rivers hold the least volume of water.
Key Takeaway:
The general descending order of water distribution on Earth is: Oceans > Ice Caps & Glaciers > Groundwater > Lakes > Soil Moisture > Atmosphere > Rivers > Biosphere.