The Earth's surface water coverage, and how much of it is fresh water?

The Earth's surface is approximately 71% water, with the majority of this being saltwater found in oceans and seas. Only about 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh water, with the majority of this being locked up in ice caps and glaciers. Less than 1% of the Earth's water is easily accessible for human use in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Surface Water Coverage:

- Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water.

Fresh Water:

- Of the Earth's total surface water, only a small fraction (about 2.5%) is fresh water.
- Most of the Earth's fresh water (about 68.9%) is stored as ice caps and glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland.
- The remaining fresh water is found in:
- Groundwater (30.1%)
- Lakes (9.1%)
- Rivers (0.5%)
- Wetlands (0.4%)
- Oceans and seas (0.01%) (in the form of slightly brackish water)