Continent: Difference between revisions
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A '''continent''' is a large landmass on a [[planet]] or [[natural satellite|moon]]. On [[Earth]], seven areas are generally regarded as continents: [[North America]], [[South America]], [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Africa]], [[Australasia]] (also known as [[Oceania]]), and [[Antarctica]]. The definition can include the landmass and its nearby islands (thus for example, Australasia rather than just [[Australia]]).<ref>See [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continent?show=1&t=1293805404 Webster's dictionary].</ref> The definition is a conventional one, as continents may share the same landmass: [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] are separated not by water but by the [[Ural]] mountains; together they are sometimes termed [[Eurasia]]. | A '''continent''' is a large landmass on a [[planet]] or [[natural satellite|moon]]. On [[Earth]], seven areas are generally regarded as continents: [[North America]], [[South America]], [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Africa]], [[Australasia]] (also known as [[Oceania]]), and [[Antarctica]]. The definition can include the landmass and its nearby islands (thus for example, Oceania, formerly Australasia rather than just [[Australia]]).<ref>See [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continent?show=1&t=1293805404 Webster's dictionary].</ref> The definition is a conventional one, as continents may share the same landmass: [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] are separated not by water but by the [[Ural]] mountains; together they are sometimes termed [[Eurasia]]. | ||
Continents exist for geological reasons. Their [[Crust (geology)|crust]]s are much thicker and lighter than those of [[ocean]]s, so that they correspond to emerged land. From the point of view of geology, and more precisely in the theory of [[plate tectonics]], there are more continents than in geography. In plate tectonics, for example, [[Arabia]] constitutes a separate [[Plate (geology)|plate]], partially constituted by continental crust. | Continents exist for geological reasons. Their [[Crust (geology)|crust]]s are much thicker and lighter than those of [[ocean]]s, so that they correspond to emerged land. From the point of view of geology, and more precisely in the theory of [[plate tectonics]], there are more continents than in geography. In plate tectonics, for example, [[Arabia]] constitutes a separate [[Plate (geology)|plate]], partially constituted by continental crust. | ||
Revision as of 12:38, 31 December 2010
A continent is a large landmass on a planet or moon. On Earth, seven areas are generally regarded as continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia (also known as Oceania), and Antarctica. The definition can include the landmass and its nearby islands (thus for example, Oceania, formerly Australasia rather than just Australia).[1] The definition is a conventional one, as continents may share the same landmass: Europe and Asia are separated not by water but by the Ural mountains; together they are sometimes termed Eurasia.
Continents exist for geological reasons. Their crusts are much thicker and lighter than those of oceans, so that they correspond to emerged land. From the point of view of geology, and more precisely in the theory of plate tectonics, there are more continents than in geography. In plate tectonics, for example, Arabia constitutes a separate plate, partially constituted by continental crust.
Footnotes
- ↑ See Webster's dictionary.