10 Unknown Facts About Earth That Will Surprise You

By Rajni Pandey | June 26, 2024

Earth Isn't Round

Earth isn't perfectly round; it bulges at the equator and flattens at the poles due to its rotation and uneven mass distribution.

Image Credit: ESA/HPF/DLR

Moon Is Drifting away

The Moon is moving away from Earth by about 4 cm each year, a phenomenon driven by tidal forces that also impacts Earth's rotation over time.

Image Credit: Canva

Earth's Magnetic Pole Is Shifting

Earth's magnetic north pole is migrating from Canada towards Siberia at about 50-60 km per year, due to changes in Earth's magnetic field.

Image Credit: Canva

Driest Place on Earth

The Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth, receives less than 1 mm of rainfall annually.

Image Credit: Canva

Europe Has Highest Urban Population

Despite being the second smallest continent, Europe boasts a high urban population, underscoring the importance of sustainable urban planning.

Image Credit: Canva

Earth Has a 'Third Pole'

Often referred to as the 'third pole', the Tibetan Plateau stores a massive reserve of freshwater, crucial for Asia's water supply but vulnerable to climate change.

Image Credit: Canva

Coral Reefs - Ocean's Living Wonders

As the largest living structures on Earth, coral reefs are essential marine ecosystems but are endangered by environmental changes such as ocean acidification and warming.

Image Credit: Canva

Earth's Malleable Core

Earth's interior is semi-solid, allowing it to flow slowly. This movement is responsible for phenomena such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity.

Image Credit: Canva

Antarctica - The Ice Giant

Antarctica, home to the largest ice sheet, contains approximately 70% of Earth's fresh water, playing a critical role in global sea levels and climate dynamics.

Image Credit: Canva

Forests - Earth's Carbon Vaults

Forests are crucial in absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting biodiversity. ESA’s upcoming Biomass mission will provide detailed data on global forest biomass, enhancing our understanding of carbon storage and climate impact.

Image Credit: Canva