Q. Consider the following sources of world water supply and arrange them in descending order.
1. Oceans
2. Rivers
3. Polar ice and Glaciers
4. Ground water
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) 1, 3, 4, 2
b) 1, 2, 4, 3
c) 1, 2, 3, 4
d) 1, 4, 3, 2
Correct Answer: a) 1, 3, 4, 2
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Global water distribution clearly shows: Oceans (~96.5%) hold by far the largest share; Polar ice and glaciers (~1.7–2%) come next; Groundwater (~1.6–1.7% including saline and fresh) follows; Rivers are minuscule (~0.0001%). Hence the descending order is 1 (Oceans) > 3 (Polar ice & glaciers) > 4 (Groundwater) > 2 (Rivers).
