UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 78
On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: After glaciers and ice caps, most of Earth’s freshwater is stored below ground in aquifers rather than in surface lakes or atmospheric moisture.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Wrong: atmospheric water vapour is only a tiny fraction of total freshwater.
B: Incorrect - Wrong: lakes and rivers contain much less water than groundwater stores.
C: Correct - Correct: groundwater accounts for the largest share of non-frozen freshwater.
D: Incorrect - Wrong: soil moisture holds relatively little water compared with aquifers.