Facts About Earth
Undoubtedly, there are some capturing facts about earth which make it a planet with a difference. The earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system, and is around 4.6 billion years old. 71% of this planet is covered with water, and it is the densest planet in the solar system. The fact, that three quarters of the earth is covered in water helps to regulate the temperature of the planet. If all the nine planets are viewed from a considerable distance then the earth would appear the brightest due to the reflection of sunlight by planet’s water surface.
Several facts about earth show that it comprises of three layers namely core, mantle and an outer crust. The core of the earth is said to contain mainly metals, which include iron and nickel. The inner core contains these metals in a solid form, whereas they are present in liquid form in the parts of external core. The mantle is in semi molten state and is around 2900km thick. The crust can be defined as a set of about twenty plates floating on the surface of the hot mantle. Tectonic drift is the name, which has been given to the motion of these plates.
It might be one of the highly surprising facts about earth, that its shape is not perfectly spherical, but this assumption is considered to ease the calculations involved in its geographical study. It rotates and is actually much more flexible than you might think it to be. It has a bulge at its mid section which imparts it, with a sort of pumpkin shape. Scientists have recently discovered a gradual growth in this bulge which might lead to an accelerated melting of the glaciers present on the earth.
It is also interesting to know that the length of the time, the earth takes to orbit around the sun is gradually increasing. Scientists believe that in another million years, the duration of one day on earth will be 27hours. Presently, the earth takes 365 days to complete orbit around the sun. One day on earth is 24 hours long. The earth is the only planet where water exists in all the three states namely solid (in the form of ice), liquid (in the form of rivers and oceans) and gas (in the form of clouds).
The earth is also unique when it comes to its nomenclature part. All the other planets have been named after Roman Gods but, the earth is the only exception, which has not been named after a mythical god.
The atmosphere around the earth contains 77% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, along with traces of carbon dioxide argon and water. The earth is a very special planet with an extreme variety of surface features such as oceans, plains, canyons, deserts and swamps. However, one of the most important facts about earth is that it contains life, with which no other planet has ever been privileged.