What are the 2 main division of the earth's surface?
The Earth's surface can be divided into two main divisions: the land and the water. These divisions are crucial in understanding the different features and characteristics of our planet.
1. Land Division:
The land division refers to the solid areas of the Earth's surface. It includes continents, islands, mountains, plateaus, and plains. Here are some key points about the land division:
- Continents: Continents are large landmasses that are separated by oceans. There are seven continents on Earth: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. Each continent has its own unique features, such as diverse ecosystems, geological formations, and cultural diversity.
- Islands: Islands are smaller landmasses that are surrounded by water. They can be found in oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers. Islands can vary in size and shape, ranging from tiny coral atolls to large landmasses like Greenland. They can be formed by volcanic activity, tectonic processes, or erosion.
- Mountains: Mountains are elevated areas of land that are typically characterized by steep slopes and high elevations. They are formed through tectonic forces, such as the collision of tectonic plates or volcanic activity. Mountains play a vital role in shaping the Earth's landscape, influencing climate patterns, and providing habitats for various plant and animal species.
- Plateaus: Plateaus are flat or gently sloping elevated areas of land. They are formed by tectonic forces or volcanic activity. Plateaus can be found at different altitudes and can vary in size. Some well-known plateaus include the Tibetan Plateau and the Deccan Plateau.
- Plains: Plains are vast, flat areas of land that are generally low in elevation. They are formed by sediment deposition, erosion, or tectonic forces. Plains are often fertile and suitable for agriculture. Examples of plains include the Great Plains in North America and the Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia.
2. Water Division:
The water division refers to the extensive water bodies that cover the Earth's surface. It includes oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Here are some key points about the water division:
- Oceans: Oceans are the largest bodies of water on Earth. There are five major oceans: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and play a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources for human activities.
- Seas: Seas are partially enclosed sections of the ocean. They are usually smaller than oceans and are often partially surrounded by land. Seas can be found along coastlines and can vary in size and depth. They are important for transportation, fishing, and tourism.
- Lakes: Lakes are bodies of water that are surrounded by land. They can be freshwater or saltwater and vary in size and depth. Lakes are formed through various processes, such as tectonic activity, glaciation, or volcanic activity. They are important sources of freshwater, habitats for aquatic life, and recreational areas.
- Rivers: Rivers are flowing bodies of water that typically originate from a source, such as a spring or a glacier, and flow towards a larger body of water, such as an ocean or a lake. Rivers play a crucial role in the water cycle, erosion, transportation of sediment, and supporting diverse ecosystems along