E...E... EARTH IS THE THIRD PLANET FROM THE SUN AND THE ONLY ASTRONOMICAL OBJECT KNOWN TO HARBOUR AND SUPPORT LIFE. ABOUT 29.2% OF EARTH'S SURFACE IS LAND CONSISTING OF CONTINENTS AND ISLANDS. THE REMAINING 70.8% IS COVERED WITH WATER, MOSTLY BY OCEANS, SEAS, GULFS, AND OTHER SALT-WATER BODIES, BUT ALSO BY LAKES, RIVERS, AND OTHER FRESHWATER, WHICH TOGETHER CONSTITUTE THE HYDROSPHERE. MUCH OF EARTH'S POLAR REGIONS ARE COVERED IN ICE.