Final answer:
Approximately 97% of all water on the planet is salt water, contained mostly in the oceans, with only 3% as freshwater, much of which is locked in ice and less than 1% accessible for use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to this question is that approximately 97% of all water on the planet is salt water. The Earth is unique in its abundance of water, with about 71% of the Earth's surface covered by it. However, a vast majority of this water is found in the oceans as saltwater. Only about 3% of the Earth's water is freshwater, which is crucial for human consumption and other life forms. Unfortunately, most of this freshwater is trapped in the form of ice, mainly in glaciers and ice caps, making less than 1% of freshwater readily accessible.
Important Facts About Earth's Water
- 97% of the planet's water is stored in oceans as salt water.
- Freshwater makes up just 3% of Earth's total water supply.
- Less than 1% of freshwater is available for direct human use.