The Earth is unique in the solar system for its ability to sustain life. This is attributed to the presence of life-sustaining elements such as land, water, and air. The surface of the Earth is a complex zone where three main environmental components meet, overlap, and interact. These components are the ‘Lithosphere’, ‘Atmosphere’, and ‘Hydrosphere’, and together they form the ‘Biosphere’.

The ‘Lithosphere’ refers to the solid portion of the Earth. It includes the rocks that make up the Earth’s crust and the thin layers of soil that contain the nutrients needed to support various forms of life. The lithosphere is divided into two main categories:

1.‘Continents’: These are large landmasses on the Earth’s surface.

2.‘Ocean Basins’: These are vast bodies of water covering a substantial portion of the Earth.

Sea Level And Elevation

The level of seawater remains consistent across the globe and is used as a reference point for measuring elevation. For example: