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About the Surface of the Earth

Photo: Santa Elena Canyon between U.S. and Mexico

Canyons

Discover the grandest one of all.

Photo: China's Reed Flute Cave in blue light

Caves

Delve into the dark underworld.

Photo: White cliffs, Germany

Coastlines

They're the sea's handiwork.

Photo: Mont Blanc

Mountains

Visit the highest places on Earth.

Photo: Waves crashing on island of Palau

Oceans

Discover what lies below.

Photo: Petrified sand dunes in Utah

Plateaus

They're millions of years in the making.

Photo: Zebras in a grassy Kenyan plain

Plains

They're not as plain as you think.

Photo: Glacial valley in Yosemite

Valleys

How do they form?

Did You Know?

Taller Than Mount Everest?

Mauna Kea, an extinct volcano in Hawaii, is the world's tallest mountain. It rises 33,474 feet (10,203 meters) from the ocean floor. Land-based Everest is the highest point on Earth.

Related Features

Photo: Arctic bath on Putorana Plateau

Article: Putorana Plateau

The Putorana Plateau is a primeval expanse of volcanic rock and pristine waters where man has made barely a ripple. Follow an expedition seeking Siberia's wild heart.

Photo: Silver Grotto, Grand Canyon

Article: The Unexpected Grand Canyon

Visited by millions each year and the subject of uncountable photographs, the Grand Canyon is the most iconic of American landscapes. Yet it still has the power to surprise.

Photo: Pink chalcedony

Photo Gallery: Minerals

From coal and calcium to silver and diamonds, minerals are essential to human health as well as valued commodities. View some of the most striking forms of Earth's minerals.

Earth Topics

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo: People hiking at sunset

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Photo: Punta Allen

Mexico via Pacifico

Find unusual vacation spots and journey through Mexico.

Earth Right Rail Promos

Order Human Footprint on DVD Today

Image: Cover of Human Footprint DVD

Discover the extraordinary impact that an average human life has on the world.

Support Conservation

Photo: Two penguins

Help conserve the world's natural resources.

The Green Guide

Photo: Green flower

Get tips for helping the environment.

National Geographic Kids

Image: A cross-section of the human head

Play games, watch videos, and much more in this just-for-kids site.