distribution and size of major water stores:

What percentage of global water is stored in the hydrosphere?

About 96.5%, mainly in oceans.

How much of the hydrosphere is accessible freshwater?

Only ~0.007% is easily accessible freshwater (rivers, lakes).

What is the total water volume in the hydrosphere?

Approximately 1,338 million km³.

What percentage of Earth's total water is stored in the cryosphere?

Approximately 1.9%.

Where is most of the cryospheric water found?

In the Antarctica and Greenland ice sheets (~90%).

What proportion of global freshwater is in the cryosphere?

About 70% of global freshwater.

What is the volume of water stored in the lithosphere?

Around 23.4 million km³.

What is the main form of water storage in the lithosphere?

Groundwater stored in aquifers.

How much of Earth's freshwater is stored as groundwater?

Roughly 30.1% of total freshwater.

What is the total volume of water in the atmosphere?

Only about 0.013 million km³.

What percentage of Earth's total water is held in the atmosphere?

Just ~0.001%.

How long does water typically stay in the atmosphere?

About 10 days (short residence time).