What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

Approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, which includes oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and ice. This significant percentage is primarily due to the vast expanses of ocean, which hold around 97% of the Earth's water. The remaining water is found in glaciers, ice caps, and freshwater sources. Understanding this proportion is crucial, as it highlights the importance of water for life on Earth and the balance of ecosystems.

The other percentage options do not accurately represent the total coverage. For instance, 60% underestimates the true extent of water coverage, while 75% and 80% are also higher than the established figure. This discrepancy underscores the importance of recognizing the accurate statistic when discussing environmental issues and resource management.