Topics Concepts Citizen science Teacher PLD Glossary

Our blue planet

Planet Earth from space.

Water covers nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface. It is found on the land, under the ground and in the atmosphere.

Image courtesy of NASA.

Glossary

Rights: NASA

Published: 22 June 2014Updated: 30 May 2025Size: 579.43 KB

Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears in Related resources

H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction

Article

H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction

Earth is called the blue planet due to the abundance of water. About 70% of the surface of the Earth ...

Water

Article

Water

Water seems to be everywhere in New Zealand. Oceans surround us. There are hundreds of lakes and rivers. Some South ...

Water origins

Article

Water origins

Water contains atoms of oxygen and hydrogen, and life on Earth would not have evolved without it. Fruit and vegetables ...

H₂O on the go – key terms

Article

H₂O on the go – key terms

In the future, water may be our most valuable commodity. Understanding the water cycle – the continuous movement of water ...

The ocean in action – introduction

Article

The ocean in action – introduction

The ocean is part of our lives – we may swim in it, sail on it or eat food from ...

H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction

Article

H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction

Earth is called the blue planet due to the abundance of water. About 70% of the surface of the Earth ...

Your Email address

See our newsletters here.

News Events About Contact us Privacy Copyright Help

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato