Approximately 71 percent of Earth’s surface is composed of what?

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By Kristy Tolley

The Composition of Earth’s Surface

Earth’s surface is the outermost layer of the planet that is in contact with the atmosphere, oceans, and continents. It plays a significant role in supporting life and regulating the Earth’s climate. The composition of Earth’s surface is made up of various materials, including minerals, rocks, water, and soil.

The Definition of Earth’s Surface

The Earth’s surface is defined as the topmost layer of the lithosphere, which is the solid outer shell of the Earth that includes the crust and upper mantle. This layer represents the interface between the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere, where the exchange of energy, matter, and information takes place. The Earth’s surface is constantly changing due to geological, atmospheric, and biological processes.

The Major Components of Earth’s Surface

The major components of Earth’s surface consist of water, land, and air. Water covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface, while land covers only 29%. The atmosphere, which is composed of various gases, is a thin layer that surrounds the Earth and extends up to a height of about 1000 km.

The Percentage of Earth’s Surface

Approximately 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water, while the remaining 29% is covered by land. The oceanic crust, which is part of the Earth’s surface, covers about 60% of the Earth’s surface, while the remaining 40% is covered by the continental crust.

What is the Dominant Component?

Water is the dominant component of Earth’s surface, covering about 71% of its surface area. The ocean is the largest body of water on Earth, with a total volume of about 1.332 billion km³. The freshwater on Earth represents only about 2.5% of the total water on Earth, and most of it is frozen in glaciers and ice caps.

The Importance of the Dominant Component

Water is an essential component of Earth’s surface and plays a vital role in supporting life. It regulates the Earth’s climate, transports nutrients and minerals, and provides habitats for various species of plants and animals. The ocean also serves as a source of food, energy, and recreation for humans.

The Role of Water in Earth’s Surface

Water plays a critical role in shaping the Earth’s surface through erosion, weathering, and sedimentation. It forms rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which are essential habitats for a variety of aquatic species. Water also supports the growth of vegetation and is necessary for agriculture and human consumption.

The Distribution of Water on Earth’s Surface

The distribution of water on Earth’s surface is not uniform, with some regions having abundant water resources while others experiencing water scarcity. The distribution is influenced by various factors, including precipitation patterns, temperature, and topography. Human activities such as irrigation, dam construction, and pollution can also affect the distribution of water on Earth’s surface.

The Impact of Human Activities on Earth’s Surface

Human activities have a significant impact on Earth’s surface, including the depletion of natural resources, deforestation, and pollution. The overuse of water resources can also lead to water scarcity and environmental degradation. Climate change, caused mainly by human activities, is also affecting the Earth’s surface by increasing sea levels, causing more frequent and severe natural disasters, and altering weather patterns.

The Future of Earth’s Surface

The future of Earth’s surface is uncertain, as human activities continue to exert significant pressure on the environment. Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on the Earth’s surface, with rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and more frequent and severe natural disasters. It is crucial to adopt sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions to preserve the Earth’s delicate ecosystem.

Conclusion: The Significance of Earth’s Surface

Earth’s surface is a dynamic and complex system that is essential for supporting life on the planet. The composition of Earth’s surface is made up of various materials, including water, land, and air. Water is the dominant component, covering about 71% of the Earth’s surface, and plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting life. It is crucial to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the Earth’s surface for future generations.

References: Sources of Information

  1. NASA. (n.d.). Earth’s Surface. Retrieved from
  2. United States Geological Survey. (n.d.). Earth’s Surface. Retrieved from
  3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Water on the Move. Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_currents/welcome.html
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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