Approximately 71% of Earth's surface is covered in water. This includes oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. The vast majority of this water—about 97.5%—is found in the oceans, which constitute the largest ecosystem on the planet. The remaining percentage consists of freshwater sources, primarily stored in glaciers and ice caps, with a smaller portion residing in rivers and lakes. This large coverage of water is integral to Earth’s climate system, weather patterns, and the sustenance of nearly all forms of life on the planet. Water is vital for agriculture, industry, and human consumption.