Major Element:
* Water (H₂O): This makes up the vast majority of the hydrosphere, accounting for over 96% of its mass.
Dissolved Substances (in small amounts):
* Salts: The oceans are salty due to dissolved minerals like sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and potassium chloride (KCl).
* Gases: Oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂) dissolve in water, especially near the surface.
* Organic Compounds: These come from living organisms and decaying matter, contributing to the overall composition of the hydrosphere.
Other Minor Components:
* Trace Elements: Tiny amounts of metals like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) can be found in the hydrosphere.
* Particles: Dust, sand, and other particles are suspended in water, especially in rivers and near the coast.
It's important to note that the composition of the hydrosphere varies depending on location. For example, freshwater sources like rivers and lakes have a much lower salt content than seawater.
