Land makes up one third of the total area of our planet. The earth's surface is divided by the oceans into continents. The largest continent on Earth is Eurasia. There are continents that are located in only one of the hemispheres, for example, Antarctica, Australia, North and South America. Continents such as Africa and Eurasia are located in all hemispheres of the Earth. Recall that the Earth is divided into the eastern and western hemispheres by the zero meridian, and the border between the southern and northern passes along the zero parallel (equator).
The history of the continentsIn the distant past, about a quarter of a billion years ago, there was one continent on Earth - Pangea. As a result of endogenous processes, Pangea divided into Laurasia and Gondwana. Even later, the final division of land into modern continents took place. Scientists believe that such a transformation of the land surface is not the last. According to experts, in the future may occur flooding of many land areas and a partial rise in the ocean floor.
Eurasia is the largest continent
The mainland occupies about 36% of the entire Earth’s surface, it is stretched for 16,000 km from east to west and 8,000 km from south to north. About 100 states are located on the mainland. The largest continent on Earth includes Asia and Europe. The dividing line between them conventionally runs along the Ural Mountains. The continent closest to Eurasia is Africa.
“Most” - not only in area
Answering the question about which continent of the Earth is the largest, it should be noted that not only the size of Eurasia is outstanding.
It is here that the greatest mountain system is located, Tibet, in which the highest point of the world is located - Everest (Chomolungma).
The mainland is located in all climatic zones and zones. In Eurasia, there is a pole of absolute cold in the northern part of the Earth - this is Oymyakon.
Here is the deepest lake of the whole world - Baikal. Eurasia belongs to the greatest peninsula in the world - the Arabian.
The largest continent on Earth is washed by the waters of all oceans. Eurasia has the largest oceanic shelf at its northern borders.
The most numerous countries of the world, such as India and China, are located on this continent.
ConclusionThe largest continent on Earth has a lot of features. The location of the continent in all natural areas provides a variety of flora and fauna. The vast territory contributes to the diversity of soil types and the availability of land and underground water resources. The mineral pantry of Eurasia is represented by almost all chemical elements included in the periodic table. The states located on the mainland have adjacent borders, which facilitates economic cooperation between them. The large number of peoples and ethnic groups living in such a vast territory allows them to exchange cultural and historical heritage. Well, and most importantly - this is our mainland, our country is located here, our Motherland, in the name of which all our exploits of life will be accomplished.