Here’s  notes from Class 6 NCERT Geography – Chapter 5: Major Domains of the Earth

What is the Earth Made Of?

Earth is made up of four main domains:

1. Lithosphere (Land)
2. Hydrosphere (Water)
3. Atmosphere (Air)
4. Biosphere (Life zone – interaction of land, water, air)

1. Lithosphere – The Land

• • Solid, outer part of the Earth.
  • Includes continents and ocean floors.
  • Divided into 7 major continents:

• Asia

1. 1. • Largest continent.
      • Tropic of Cancer passes through
      • One-third of the total area of the earth.
      • Lies in the eastern hemisphere.
      • Separated from Europe by the Ural mountain in the west.
      • The combined landmass of Europe and Asia is called the Eurasia.

• Africa

1. 1. • Second largest continent after Asia.
      • Equator, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn all passes through
      • The Sahara Desert, the world’s largest desert is located in Africa
      • The Nile world’s longest river is located in Africa.

• North America

1. 1. • Third largest continent of the world.
      • Surrounded by Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic Ocean.
      • Linked with South America by a narrow strip of land called Isthmus of Panama.
      • Tropic of Cancer passes through it.

• South America

1. 1. • Lies mostly in Southern Hemisphere.
      • Equator and Tropic of Capricorn passes through it.
      • Andes Mountain, World’s longest mountain is stretched from North to South.
      • The Amazon, world’s largest river flows in it

• Antarctica

1. 1. • Lies entirely in Southern Hemisphere
      • Permanently covered with thick ice
      • There is no permanent  human settlement
      • Many countries have research station.
      • India research stations are Maitri, Dakshin Gangotri and Bharati

• Europe

1. 1. • The Arctic Circle Passes through it.
      • Lies to the west of Asia

• Australia

  • • Smallest continent
    • Lies entirely in Southern Hemisphere
    • Also called Island Continent.

 Note: Asia and Europe are together called Eurasia (one landmass).

2. Hydrosphere – The Water

• • All water on Earth: oceans, rivers, lakes, ice, underground water, water vapor.
  • Earth is also known as Blue Planet.
  • 71% of Earth is covered with water.
  • More than 97% of the Earth’s water is found in the Oceans
•  
• 5 Major Oceans

• Pacific Ocean

1. 1. • Largest Ocean, cover one third of the earth
      • Mariana Trench, the deepest  is lies in Pacific Ocean.
      • Almost circular in shape.
      • Asia, Australia, North and South America surround it.

• Atlantic Ocean

• • • Second largest.
    • It is S shaped.
    • The coastline is highly intended
    • Surrounded by North and South America in the West and Europe and Africa in the East.

• Indian Ocean

1. 1. • Only ocean named after a country.
      • Shape of the ocean is almost triangular.
      • Surrounded by Asia, Africa and Australia

• Southern Ocean

1. 1. • Encircles the continent of Antarctica and extends northward to 60 degree south latitude.

• Arctic Ocean

• • • Located within the Arctic Circle and surrounds the North Pole.
    • It is connected with the Pacific Ocean by a narrow stretch of shallow water known as Berring Strait.
    • It is bound by northern coasts of North America and Eurasia.

3. Atmosphere – The Air

• • • Thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth.
    • The atmosphere extends up to a height of about 1,600 kilometeres.
    • Essential for life, weather, and climate.
    • Made up of gases:
      • Nitrogen (78%)
      • Oxygen (21%)
      • Others: CO₂, Argon, Water Vapor
    • The density of the atmosphere is maximum at the sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up.
    • The temperature also decreases as we go upward.
    • Divided into layers (Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere and Exosphere)
    • Held close to Earth by gravity.

• Biosphere – The Life Zone

• • • The narrow zone where life exists.
    • Interaction of land, water, and air.
    • Includes plants, animals, humans, and all living organisms.
    • Life is not possible without balance between the three domains.