Importance of Earth's Hydrospehre

“Rivers are roads which move, and which carry us whither we desire to go.” 

                                                                                      –Blaise Pascal. 

            As far as we know, the Earth we live on is the only planet that is able to support life. Amongst other factors, Earth is just the right distance from the sun to have temperatures that are suitable for life to exist. Also, the Earth's atmosphere has exactly the right type of gases in the right amounts for life to survive. Our planet also has water on its surface, which is something very unique. In fact, Earth is often called the 'Blue Planet' because most of it is covered in water. This water is made up of freshwater in rivers and lakes, the saltwater of the oceans and estuaries, groundwater and water vapour. Together, all these water bodies are called the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere plays an important role because it interacts with, and is influenced by, all the other earth spheres. It is the home for many plants and animals.

            It is so easy sometimes to take our hydrosphere for granted and we seldom take the time to really think about the role that this part of the planet plays in keeping us alive. Water is a part of living cells. Each cell in a living organism is made up of almost 75% water, and this allows the cell to function normally. In fact, most of the chemical reactions that occur in life, involve substances that are dissolved in water. Without water, cells would not be able to carry out their normal functions and life could not exist. 

Water also provides a habitat. The hydrosphere provides an important place for many animals and plants to live. Many gases, nutrients, nitrite and ammonium ions, as well as other ions are dissolved in water. The presence of these substances is critical for life to exist in water.

Water regulates climate. One of water's unique characteristics is its high specific heat. This means that water takes a long time to heat up and also a long time to cool down. This is important in helping to regulate temperatures on earth so that they stay within a range that is acceptable for life to exist. Ocean currents also help to disperse heat.

Water provides human needs. Humans use water in a number of ways. Drinking water is obviously very important, but water is also used domestically and in industry. Water can also be used to generate electricity through hydropower.

Water is life. We would die in three days without water. Our body can’t go on with its complex processes without water that will help metabolize and circulate nutrients, oxygen and blood in our body. With the growing pollution in our environment, our water system is imperilled. Dams and watersheds have gone dry, rivers become polluted and our drinking water has been contaminated with chemicals. Water is very important so we should take care of it, because without it life would be miserable.