Changes

The continental plates consist of lower density material such as the [[igneous rock]]s [[granite]] and [[andesite]]. Less common is [[basalt]], a denser volcanic rock that is the primary constituent of the ocean floors.[http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/plate_tectonics/part1.html] Layers of the Earth, Volcano World, [[Sedimentary rock]] is formed from the accumulation of sediment that becomes compacted together. Nearly 75% of the continental surfaces are covered by sedimentary rocks, although they form only about 5% of the crust. [http://geology.csupomona.edu/drjessey/class/Gsc101/Weathering.html] Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks,  Cal Poly Pomona, The third form of rock material found on Earth is [[metamorphic rock]], which is created from the transformation of pre-existing rock types through high pressures, high temperatures, or both. The most abundant silicate minerals on the Earth's surface include [[quartz]], the [[feldspar]]s, [[amphibole]], [[mica]], [[pyroxene]] and [[olivine]]. [http://natural-history.uoregon.edu/Pages/web/mineral.htm] Minerals, Museum of Natural History, Oregon, Common carbonate minerals include [[calcite]] (found in [[limestone]]), [[aragonite]] and [[dolomite]].[http://madmonster.williams.edu/geos.302/L.08.html] Carbonate sediments

The continental plates consist of lower density material such as the [[igneous rock]]s [[granite]] and [[andesite]]. Less common is [[basalt]], a denser volcanic rock that is the primary constituent of the ocean floors.[http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/plate_tectonics/part1.html] Layers of the Earth, Volcano World, [[Sedimentary rock]] is formed from the accumulation of sediment that becomes compacted together. Nearly 75% of the continental surfaces are covered by sedimentary rocks, although they form only about 5% of the crust. [http://geology.csupomona.edu/drjessey/class/Gsc101/Weathering.html] Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks,  Cal Poly Pomona, The third form of rock material found on Earth is [[metamorphic rock]], which is created from the transformation of pre-existing rock types through high pressures, high temperatures, or both. The most abundant silicate minerals on the Earth's surface include [[quartz]], the [[feldspar]]s, [[amphibole]], [[mica]], [[pyroxene]] and [[olivine]]. [http://natural-history.uoregon.edu/Pages/web/mineral.htm] Minerals, Museum of Natural History, Oregon, Common carbonate minerals include [[calcite]] (found in [[limestone]]), [[aragonite]] and [[dolomite]].[http://madmonster.williams.edu/geos.302/L.08.html] Carbonate sediments

The [[pedosphere]] is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of [[soil]] and subject to [[pedogenesis|soil formation processes]]. It exists at the interface of the [[lithosphere]], [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]], [[hydrosphere]] and [[biosphere]]. Currently the total arable land is 13.31% of the land surface, with only 4.71% supporting permanent crops.  [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html], The World Factbook, U.S. C.I.A. Close to 40% of the Earth's land surface is presently used for cropland and pasture, or an estimated 1.3{{e|7}} km² (3.3{{e|9}} acres) of cropland and 3.4{{e|7}} km² (8.4{{e|9}} acres) of pastureland. Production Yearbook 1994, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,Rome, Italy ISBN 9250038445

The [[pedosphere]] is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of [[soil]] and subject to [[pedogenesis|soil formation processes]]. It exists at the interface of the [[lithosphere]], [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]], [[hydrosphere]] and [[biosphere]]. Currently the total arable land is 13.31% of the land surface, with only 4.71% supporting permanent crops.  [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html], The World Factbook, U.S. C.I.A. Close to 40% of the Earth's land surface is presently used for cropland and pasture, or an estimated 1.3 km² (3.3 acres) of cropland and 3.4 km² (8.4 acres) of pastureland. Production Yearbook 1994, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,Rome, Italy ISBN 9250038445

The elevation of the land surface of the Earth varies from the low point of −418 m (−1,371 ft) at the [[Dead Sea]], to a 2005-estimated maximum altitude of 8,848 m (29,028 ft) at the top of [[Mount Everest]]. The mean height of land above sea level is 686(2,250 ft). The Permanence of Ocean Basins, The Geographical Journal,[http://www.wku.edu/~smithch/wallace/S453.htm]

The elevation of the land surface of the Earth varies from the low point of −418 m (−1,371 ft) at the [[Dead Sea]], to a 2005-estimated maximum altitude of 8,848 m (29,028 ft) at the top of [[Mount Everest]]. The mean height of land above sea level is 686(2,250 ft). The Permanence of Ocean Basins, The Geographical Journal,[http://www.wku.edu/~smithch/wallace/S453.htm]