Difference between revisions 279781 and 279841 on pamwiki

[[File:Continental models-Australia.gif|thumb|300px|Animated, colour-coded map showing the various continents. [[Continent#Separation of continents|Depending on the convention and model]], some continents may be consolidated or subdivided: for example, [[Eurasia]] is often subdivided into [[Europe] and [[Asia]] (red shades), while [[Tywon|North]] and [[South America]] are sometimes reckoned as one [[Americas|American]] continent (green shades).]]
(contracted; show full)on rather than adherence to the ideal criterion that each be a discrete landmass, separated by water from others. Likewise, the criterion that each be a continuous landmass is often disregarded by the inclusion of the [[continental shelf]] and [[island#oceanic islands|oceanic islands]].  Relatedly, the Earth's major landmasses are washed upon by a single, continuous [[World Ocean]], which is subdivided into a number of principal [[ocean]]ic components by the continents and various geographic criteria.
 Plate tectonics can be easier to understand the continents.<ref>"[http://www.answers.com/Ocean#Encyclopedia Ocean]". ''[[Columbia Encyclopedia|The Columbia Encyclopedia]]'' (2006).  New York: [[Columbia University Press]].  Retrieved 20 February 2007.</ref><ref name="UNAoO">"[http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/about/physicalandchemicalproperties/background/seemore1.html Distribution of land and water on the planet]." ''[http://www.oceansatlas.com/ UN Atlas of the Oceans]'' (2004(contracted; show full)</div>

{{Continents of the world}}
{{Regions of the world}}

[[Category:Continents|*]]
[[Category:Plate tectonics]]
[[Category:Landforms]]