EARTH’S SURFACE & BLUE PLANET
What nickname is given to Earth because of its water-covered surface?
The Blue Planet
How much of Earth’s water is freshwater?
2.5%
Which hemisphere contains 80% of Earth’s landmass?
Land Hemisphere
What process caused continents to shift over millions of years?
Plate tectonics
What regulates global temperatures and climate?
Ocean water
How much of Earth’s surface is land?
29%
What percentage of freshwater is frozen in glaciers and ice caps?
68.7%
Which continent has the largest land area in the Land Hemisphere?
Asia
What supercontinent existed before continents separated?
Pangaea
Why is the land–water ratio important for life?
It creates weather patterns
What color does Earth mostly appear from space?
Blue
Which water body dominates the Water Hemisphere?
Pacific Ocean
Which continents appear in BOTH hemispheres?
Asia and the Americas
Which event directly results from plate movement?
Formation of oceans
What is one major effect of having more water than land?
More stable climate
What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans?
71%
What type of water makes up most of Earth’s water?
Saltwater
Which continent is entirely within the Land Hemisphere?
Africa
What is the outer layer of Earth that breaks into tectonic plates called?
Crust
Water helps regulate the Earth’s temperature through ______.
Evaporation and heat absorption
What makes Earth unique compared to other planets in the solar system?
It has liquid water on its surface
Which of the following contains the MOST water on Earth?
Oceans
Which continent has the smallest land area?
Oceania
Which event is NOT caused by plate movement?
Seasons
Why do most major cities develop near water?
Water supports transportation, trade, and resources