The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The hydrosphere consists of water in various forms distributed across oceans, continents, and the atmosphere. While oceans hold the vast majority of Earth's water, the remaining fraction is distributed among ice caps, groundwater, lakes, soil moisture, the atmosphere, and rivers in varying proportions.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to standard hydrological data, the atmosphere contains approximately 0.001% of Earth's total water volume. In contrast, streams and rivers contain only about 0.0001%. Therefore, the atmosphere holds a greater volume of water than rivers.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Freshwater lakes account for approximately 0.009% of the total water volume. Since the atmosphere holds roughly 0.001%, freshwater lakes contain a significantly larger volume of water than the atmosphere.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Groundwater constitutes about 0.68% of Earth's total water. Inland seas and salt lakes account for approximately 0.008%. Thus, groundwater accounts for a much larger percentage than inland seas.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Ice caps and glaciers are the largest reservoir of fresh water, holding approximately 2.05% of Earth's total water. Groundwater holds about 0.68%. Consequently, ice caps contain significantly more water than groundwater.
Key Takeaway:
The general descending order of water volume on Earth is: Oceans > Ice Caps & Glaciers > Groundwater > Lakes > Soil Moisture > Atmosphere > Rivers > Biosphere.