Which term describes all water on the Earth and near its surface?

Which term describes all water on the Earth and near its surface?

• A. Atmosphere
• B. Lithosphere
• C. Organic nutrients
• D. Hydrosphere

Answer: (D)

Recognizing Earth's water system: the term that covers all water on the planet and near its surface is the hydrosphere. It includes oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and ice as well as the water vapor in the air around Earth. This distinguishes it from the atmosphere (the gaseous layer), the lithosphere (the solid rocky outer layer), and organic nutrients (materials organisms use for nourishment).

Recognizing Earth's water system: the term that covers all water on the planet and near its surface is the hydrosphere. It includes oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and ice as well as the water vapor in the air around Earth. This distinguishes it from the atmosphere (the gaseous layer), the lithosphere (the solid rocky outer layer), and organic nutrients (materials organisms use for nourishment).