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UPSC 2021: With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater. 2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (b) 2 only
USGS estimates show groundwater ≈ 5.61 million km³ whereas all lakes + rivers together hold < 0.2 million km³, so statement 1 is false. Polar ice caps and glaciers store ≈ 24 million km³, which exceeds the volume of groundwater; hence statement 2 is true. Therefore only statement 2 is correct → option (b). ([usgs.gov](https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/where-earths-water?utm_source=openai))
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What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2021 Geography question?▼
The correct answer is option (b): 2 only. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Hydrology / Water distribution question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper 1, as Question 62. It falls under Geography > Hydrology / Water distribution.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "easy". It tests basic recall and most well-prepared aspirants should answer it correctly.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Hydrology / Water distribution?▼
UPSC has asked 1 questions from Hydrology / Water distribution (under Geography) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.