The Origin of Continents and Oceans

The origin of continents and oceans is rooted in the Earth's geological history. About 4.5 billion years ago, the Earth formed from dust and gas, gradually cooling to create a solid crust. Over millions of years, tectonic plates shifted, causing landmasses to break apart and collide, forming continents. Meanwhile, oceans filled basins created by these movements. Erosion and sedimentation continue to shape these features. The cycle of plate tectonics, driven by heat from the Earth's interior, ensures that both continents and oceans are dynamic and ever-changing components of our planet.