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Surface Features of the Earth



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 version with these features identified.(637K GIF)
Image from: U.S. Geological Survey

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.


Return to Plate Tectonics

Return to Earth's Surface & Interior



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Last modified February 26, 2007 by Lisa Gardiner.
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