hydrosphere
/ˈhaɪdrəˌsfɪr/
noun
- All the water on or near the Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and water vapor in the atmosphere.
- The hydrosphere covers about 71% of the Earth's surface.
- The water cycle connects the hydrosphere with the atmosphere and lithosphere.
- Climate change is affecting the hydrosphere by melting glaciers and raising sea levels.