Final answer:
About 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by the ocean, making it similar to a valley in terms of topography. While the oceans contain nearly 97% of the Earth's water, less than 1% is usable freshwater for human consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the vast expanse of the oceans, which cover about 70% of our planet, in comparison to the solid portion of the Earth, the depth of the water on Earth would be most analogous to a 'valley'. This is because valleys are low areas between hills or mountains, often where a river flows, and they are more closely related to the concept of a vast area covered by a relatively shallow layer, much like the oceans blanket the Earth's surface.
The Earth's water is distributed with approximately 97% being in the oceans as saltwater, and a majority of the remaining freshwater is held in ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, despite the abundance of water, only a small fraction, less than 1%, is readily available for human use in the form of freshwater, found in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Climate has a significant impact on the distribution of this usable water, which is essential for drinking, agriculture, and supporting human settlements.