Earth: The Third Planet from the Sun

Front

What is Earth known for in the Solar System?

Back

Earth is the only astronomical object known to harbor life.

Front

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?

Back

70.8% of Earth's crust is covered by its global ocean.

Front

What is the remaining percentage of Earth's crust that is land?

Back

29.2% of Earth's crust is land.

Front

What forms most of Earth's land?

Back

Most of Earth's land is located in the form of continental landmasses.

Front

What is the characteristic of most of Earth's land?

Back

Most of Earth's land is at least somewhat humid and covered by vegetation.

Front

What do large ice sheets at Earth's polar deserts retain?

Back

Large ice sheets retain more water than Earth's groundwater, lakes, rivers, and atmospheric water combined.

Front

What does Earth's crust consist of?

Back

Earth's crust consists of slowly moving tectonic plates.

Front

What geological features are produced by the interaction of tectonic plates?

Back

Mountain ranges, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

Front

What generates Earth's magnetosphere?

Back

Earth has a liquid outer core that generates a magnetosphere.

Front

What does the magnetosphere do?

Back

The magnetosphere deflects most of the destructive solar winds and cosmic radiation.