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
Image from: U.S. Geological Survey
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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