Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. This is enabled by Earth being an ocean world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all of Earth's water is contained in its global ocean, covering 70.8% of Earth's crust. The remaining 29.2% of Earth's crust is land, most of which is located in the form of continental landmasses within Earth's land hemisphere. Most of Earth's land is at least somewhat humid and ... What is the True Shape of Earth? The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but a complex shape most accurately described as an oblate spheroid. This means it’s essentially a sphere that’s flattened at its poles and bulging at the equator, a consequence of the centrifugal force generated by its rotation. Understanding Earth’s Unique Geometry For centuries, the shape of the Earth has captivated and confounded scientists and philosophers alike. From the ancient belief in a flat Earth to the ... We have found over time that the Earth isn't a perfect sphere, but rather a spheroid made of oblate. This indicates it is mostly round, with a small levelling at the poles and an upward curve near the equator. Learn how the Earth is modeled as an ellipsoid with different parameters and datums for horizontal and vertical coordinates. Explore the history and accuracy of the ellipsoid and geoid shapes and their impact on geodesy and cartography.
