Planet Earth
Planet Earth is the third planet from the sun and the only known planet with abundant water, an atmosphere that supports life, and geological activity.
Interesting Facts
- Earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system.
- The earth’s crust is made up of several plates that move and cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- The earth’s magnetic field protects us from solar winds and radiation that could otherwise harm life on earth.
- The highest point on earth is Mount Everest, which stands at 29,029 feet above sea level.
- 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans.
Geography
The earth has a diameter of 12,742 kilometers at the equator and 12,714 kilometers at the poles. It has a total surface area of 510.072 million square kilometers, of which 148.94 million square kilometers is land and 361.132 million square kilometers is water.
| Continent | Surface Area (sq km) | % of Total Area |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 44,579,000 | 29.5 |
| Africa | 30,221,532 | 20.1 |
| North America | 24,471,500 | 16.2 |
| South America | 17,840,000 | 11.8 |
| Australia | 8,600,000 | 5.7 |
| Antarctica | 13,829,430 | 9.2 |
| Europe | 10,180,000 | 6.8 |
Ecology
The earth supports a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms that make up complex ecosystems. These ecosystems can be found in various terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Conclusion
Planet Earth is a fascinating place teeming with life and geological activity. From the highest peaks to the depths of the oceans, there is much to explore and discover on this planet we call home.