Earth's Continents Through the Lens of Modern Scientific Discourse Introduction: The Myth of the Universal Model The question "How many continents are there on Earth?" seems simple at first glance. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single "scientific" or "official" number. The answer ranges from four to seven or more, depending on the criteria used — geographical, geological, cultural, and historical. Modern scientific discussions reveal that the concept of "continent" is more a culturally-historical construct, evolving with science. Key Criteria for Identifying Continents The discussions are based on a conflict between several approaches: Geographical (physical-geographical): A continent is a large mass of land separated from others by water bodies. This seems simple, but contradictions arise immediately. For example, North and South America are connected by the Isthmus of Panama, and Europe and Africa by the Suez Canal. Why are they considered different continents? Here, other criteria come to the rescue. Geological (tectonic): A continent is a large section of continental crust (25-70 km thick), located on a separate lithospheric plate and having a common geological history. This approach, dominant in modern science, radically changes the picture. Historical-cultural: A continent is considered a large region with a common history, culture, and political perception. This approach explains why Europe and Asia, lying on the same Eurasian plate, are traditionally considered different continents. Major Models and Their Justification Model 1: 4 continents (Africa-Eurasia, America, Antarctica, Australia).This is the strictest physical-geographical model. It unites all connected land bridges: Africa-Eurasia: Eurasia + Africa (connection through the Sinai Peninsula). America: North + South America (connection through Panama).This model is used rarely, mainly in some geographical overviews. Model 2: 6 continents (with variations).Here, a key cultural difference arise ... Читать далее