What percent of the land mass of the earth is in the northern hemisphere?

The answer is that approximately 68% of the land mass of the earth is in the northern hemisphere and 32% is in the southern hemisphere.

Scientist are not sure why the earth formed this way. The shifting tectonic plates is the mechanism for the movement of the land masses over time. There is speculation that the rotational spin of the earth may have influenced the dominate shifting of the land masses over time. It is interesting that approximately 88% of the Earth's population lives in the northern hemisphere.

More Info: phl.upr.edu

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40 Comments

dickahern

The unequal population distribution is not proportional to the land dsitribution which may be a function of the shape of the major land masses. The broad explanse of east-west oriented land masses in the northern hemisphere compared to the storng north-south orientation of the two major continents in the southern hemisphere could be a major factor in the development of civilization which would promote population growth. Many of the advances in civilizations are climate sensitive, such as agriculture etc., and living in essentilly the same latitudes would be a benefit in terms of technologic advances whereas in the numerous climatic belts in the southern hemisphere, agricultureal advances may not transfer between different groups as well.

Richard D. Boyle

Good thing I used a double. I was almost certain that the right choice would be 75%. With all of Europe, Asia, North America and most of Africa it still seems like the better choice. I suppose I am overlooking the size of Antarctica.

Dennis Walker

hansensusanne, if 32% of land mass is within the Southern Hemisphere where is the other 28% please?

deborahpmercer

Also used a double or may have been floundering.

Howard Groopman

Guessed right. Good question.

cowboyst

Missed it

Maho girl

Beau Shilkraut, It's called a globe & using your eyes . . .

Jas Newman

Jay Hendrickson, True enough, and is merely another way of stating what the answer said—the land in the northern hemisphere is approximately double the size of the land in the southern hemisphere (40% v. 20%)

Jas Newman

G Tim Turner, Re your comment: "land masses of South America and Africa continue to be underestimated and underrepresented in all representations. Cannot rely on globes ..." Globes do not distort relative size as flat maps do.

Renee Shirley

Interesting question.

Anita Clark Morton

Beau Shilkraut, I guessed and got it right. Doesn't that count???

Jeanette Purchase

By reflecting on the balance of countries, it seemed to be a logical conclusion

Pierre Poirier

So, why are people in the Southern hemisphere lways complaining maps underrepresent the land masses ?

G Tim Turner

The land masses of South America and Africa continue to be underestimated and underrepresented in all representations. Cannot rely on globes or current or historical maps. Research the actual miles, square feet/miles.