Water covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. This water is primarily found in the form of saltwater in the Earth’s oceans and seas, which account for about 97.5% of the Earth’s total water volume. The remaining 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater, with the majority of that freshwater being stored in glaciers and ice caps (about 68.7%). The remaining freshwater is found in groundwater (30.1%), while a very small fraction is found in lakes, rivers, and in the atmosphere.
To summarize:
About 97.5% of Earth’s water is in the oceans and seas as saltwater.
Approximately 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater.
The majority of freshwater is locked in glaciers and ice caps.
A smaller portion of freshwater is found in groundwater.
Lakes, rivers, and atmospheric water represent a relatively tiny fraction of Earth’s total water volume.
It’s important to note that freshwater resources, which are essential for human consumption and agriculture, represent only a small percentage of the total water on Earth. Managing and preserving these freshwater resources is crucial for meeting the needs of the world’s population and ensuring sustainable access to clean water.
