Surface Features of the Earth
This image of the surface of the Earth shows the North and South American continents, as well as the floor of the Pacific Ocean. As can be seen in the image, the ocean floor shows evidence of
The continental regions show evidence of
(Click on the image to see labeled examples of these features.)
These things provide evidence that, unlike other planets, the surface of the Earth is in motion. Motion of the Earth's surface is called plate tectonics
.
Compare this active surface with that of Venus, Mars, or Europa.
This image shows the topography, or shape, of the Earth's surface, on land and below the oceans. Mountain ranges, subduction trenches, tectonic plates, and mid-ocean ridges are all visible in the image.
Click on image for full size version with these features identified.(637K GIF)
Image from: U.S. Geological Survey
Return to Plate Tectonics
Return to Earth's Surface & Interior
Surface Features of the Earth
This image of the surface of the Earth shows the North and South American continents, as well as the floor of the Pacific Ocean. As can be seen in the image, the ocean floor shows evidence of
The continental regions show evidence of
(Click on the image to see labeled examples of these features.)
These things provide evidence that, unlike other planets, the surface of the Earth is in motion. Motion of the Earth's surface is called plate tectonics.
Compare this active surface with that of Venus, Mars, or Europa.
This image shows the topography, or shape, of the Earth's surface, on land and below the oceans. Mountain ranges, subduction trenches, tectonic plates, and mid-ocean ridges are all visible in the image.
Click on image for full size version with these features identified.(637K GIF)
Image from: U.S. Geological Survey
Return to Plate Tectonics
Return to Earth's Surface & Interior
Surface Features of the Earth
Look at this picture of the surface of the Earth! Can you find these features?
(Click on the image to see labeled examples of these features.)
These features prove that, unlike other planets, the surface layer of the Earth moves very slowly like inner tubes in a swimming pool.
Compare this active surface with that of Venus, Mars, or Europa.
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This image shows the topography, or shape, of the Earth's surface, on land and below the oceans. Mountain ranges, subduction trenches, tectonic plates, and mid-ocean ridges are all visible in the image.
Click on image for full size version with these features identified.(637K GIF)
Image from: U.S. Geological Survey
Return to Plate Tectonics
Return to Earth's Surface & Interior
Last modified January 15, 1997 by the Windows Team
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