Describe the role of water in making earth a habitable planet.

Earth is a watery planet with 70% of the earth's surface being covered by water. Water plays a major role in making earth a habitable planet as-

1. Distribution of water is responsible for moderating the climate and surface condition of the earth.

2. Water bodies like lakes, ponds, rivers etc. are important parts of the ecosystems and biosphere.

3. Water moves in a continuous hydrological cycle. There is a proper balance between evaporation, condensation and precipitation without which life would not be possible.

4. Water bodies help to maintain the temperature of the earth's surface. They rapidly absorb enormous amount of heat during the day, and keep the earth fairly cool. At night, they release the heat absorbed during the day, which along with other atmospheric effects, keep most of the surface from freezing at night.