Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. This includes oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. The majority of this water, about 97.5%, is found in the oceans, with the remaining 2.5% being freshwater. Most of the freshwater is locked in ice caps and glaciers, leaving a relatively small percentage available in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers for human use. The vast expanse of water on Earth plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate and supporting various forms of life.