Chapter 18, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The percentage of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans and the proportion of the world’s population living near a coast.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Around $70.8\raisebox{1ex}{$0$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$0$}\right.$ of the Earth’s surface is occupied by oceans and the global population living near a coast have been estimated to be greater than $60\raisebox{1ex}{$0$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$0$}\right.$.

Explanation of Solution

The Earth appears to be blue from the space which gives the evidence that most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The oceans occupy nearly $70.8\raisebox{1ex}{$0$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$0$}\right.$ of the surface of Earth.

The oceans are helpful for the mankind in many ways. It provides livelihood for the people, helps in regulating climate of a region, serves as a habitat for many diverse living forms, and so on. Owing to its significance, a lot of people have inhabited the coastal area. It is estimated that more than $60\text{percent}$ of the global population lives near a coast.