Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — exists as groundwater
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedOut of Earth's total freshwater (~2.5% of all water):
- Ice caps and glaciers hold ~68.7%.
- Of the remaining liquid freshwater, groundwater constitutes by far the largest proportion (~30.1% of all freshwater, or >95% of liquid freshwater).
- Surface freshwater (lakes, rivers, atmosphere, and soil moisture) together makes up only ~1.2% of total freshwater.
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