What are the major components of environment 

Environment is defined as the natural world in which plants, animals and human beings live. The word Environment is derived from French terms ‘virer (to turn) or ‘in/viron’ meaning to encircle; and denotes the interaction between natural surroundings and organisms including human beings. Thus, environment is the surroundings in which living and non-living things live, interact, grow and perish.

Components of Environment:

The four major components of environment are Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere, corresponding to  rocks, water, air and living things respectively.

• Lithosphere is the outermost layer of earth called crust, which is made of different minerals. Its depth can reach up to 100 Km and is found on both land (terrestrial crust) and oceans (oceanic crust).
• Hydrosphere comprises of all forms of water bodies on earth including oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, ponds, streams etc. It covers two-third of earth’s surface. Almost 97.5 % of water found on Earth are in oceans in the form of salty water. Only 2.5 % of water on Earth is freshwater.
• Atmosphere is gaseous layer around the Earth. The atmosphere with oxygen in abundance is unique to Earth and sustains life. It mainly comprises 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.038% carbon dioxide, and traces of hydrogen, helium, and noble gases. The amount of water vapour present is variable.
• Biosphere refers to all the regions on Earth where life exists. The ecosystems  supporting life could be in soil, air, water or land. The term Biosphere was coined by Geologist Edward Suess who used this term for place on Earth where life can be found. Biosphere refers to the sum total of all living thigs, the biomass or biota.