NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 2
Oceans and Continents
This chapter explores the major landmasses called continents and the vast water bodies called oceans that together make up Earth's surface. Students learn about the seven continents and five oceans, their locations, sizes, and basic characteristics. The chapter also introduces the concept of how continents may have once been joined together as a supercontinent called Pangaea.
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Key Terms
- Continent
- One of the seven large landmasses on Earth: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
- Ocean
- One of the five major bodies of saltwater on Earth: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans.
- Pangaea
- The ancient supercontinent that existed about 300 million years ago, which gradually broke apart to form the continents we know today.
- Continental Drift
- The theory that continents were once joined and have slowly moved to their current positions over millions of years.
- Hydrosphere
- The total water found on, above, and below Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and glaciers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many continents and oceans are there on Earth?▾
There are seven continents (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia/Oceania) and five oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic) on Earth.
Which is the largest continent and largest ocean?▾
Asia is the largest continent, covering about 30% of Earth's total land area. The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean, covering more area than all the continents combined.
What is Pangaea and what happened to it?▾
Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed around 300 million years ago when all present-day continents were joined together. Over millions of years, it broke apart due to tectonic movements and the pieces slowly drifted to form today's continents.
Which continent has no permanent human population?▾
Antarctica is the only continent with no permanent human population. It is covered by a massive ice sheet and only scientists and researchers stay there temporarily at research stations.
What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?▾
About 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, primarily the five oceans. Only about 29% of Earth's surface consists of land (continents and islands).
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