A continent is one of several very large landmasses on Earth. They are generally identified by convention rather than any strict criteria, with seven regions commonly regarded as continents—they are (from largest in size to smallest): Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
Plate tectonics is the geological process and study of the movement, collision and division of continents, earlier known as continental drift.
Read more about Continent: Definitions and Application, Area and Population, Highest and Lowest Points, Other Divisions, Geology
Famous quotes containing the word continent:
“On the Continent people have good food; in England people have good table manners.”
—George Mikes (1912–1987)
“Purity of race does not exist. Europe is a continent of energetic mongrels.”
—H.A.L. (Herbert Albert Laurens)
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more”
—John Adams (1735–1826)