The hydrosphere refers to all water on Earth's surface and near-surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater and water in the atmosphere. Oceans contain about 96% of Earth's water while freshwater lakes and streams only contain 0.016%. Groundwater is an important source, with 22% of freshwater occurring underground in aquifers. Aquifers are underground rock formations that hold and transmit water. Factors like porosity, permeability and hydraulic gradient determine groundwater flow. Human activities like excessive groundwater pumping can lower water tables and cause issues like land subsidence, saltwater intrusion and sinkholes. Managing groundwater sustainably requires understanding recharge rates and balancing usage with replenishment