mantereisiin

Mantereisiin refers to the continents of the Earth. These are the largest continuous masses of land on the planet. There are generally considered to be seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. The definition of a continent can be somewhat fluid, particularly regarding Europe and Asia, which are often grouped as Eurasia. Similarly, North and South America are sometimes considered a single continent, the Americas.

Continents are distinguished by their vast size, distinct geological structures, and often by significant geographical features that separate them from oceans. Their formation and movement are a result of plate tectonics, the slow drift of massive lithospheric plates. Over geological timescales, continents have collided, separated, and reformed.

Each continent possesses unique ecosystems, climates, and geological histories. They are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and have been the cradles of human civilization, culture, and development. The study of continents involves geology, geography, biology, and anthropology. The term "mantereisiin" itself is Finnish, meaning "to the continents" or "into continents."