land

Land is the solid surface of the Earth that is not covered by seawater. It includes continents, islands, and the varied landforms—mountains, hills, plains, plateaus, and deserts—that rise above sea level. The uppermost layer, soil, supports plant life and hosts diverse organisms, while bedrock provides the underlying geology.

Landforms and soils arise from a combination of tectonic activity, climate, and living processes. Weathering, erosion, and deposition continually modify the landscape. Land supports terrestrial ecosystems and, through soil, stores nutrients and water. It also contributes to biogeochemical cycles and can store carbon in vegetation and soil.

Humans use land for homes, farming, forests, mining, infrastructure, and recreation. Land use is governed by property rights, planning policies, and environmental laws aimed at sustainable development. Practices such as sustainable agriculture, habitat protection, and erosion control seek to maintain soil health and biodiversity while supporting economic and social needs.

Globally, about 29 percent of the Earth's surface is land, with the remainder covered by oceans. Land cover is diverse, including forests, croplands, urban areas, and wetlands. Land faces pressures from urbanization, agriculture, deforestation, and climate change, which can degrade soils, reduce biodiversity, and alter water cycles. Conservation and restoration efforts strive to balance human use with the protection of natural resources.