Earth's Surface: Land versus water The ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface Land occupies only 29 percent. Sea level fluctuates over time When climate is colder and water is stored as ice Sea level falls The shoreline moves seaward When climate gets warmers a The ice melts Sea level rises a The shoreline advances inlandEarth’s Surface: Land Versus Water ◼ The ocean covers 71 percent of Earth’s surface. ◼ Land occupies only 29 percent. ◼ Sea level fluctuates over time. ◼ When climate is colder and water is stored as ice: ◼ Sea level falls. ◼ The shoreline moves seaward. ◼ When climate gets warmer: ◼ The ice melts. ◼ Sea level rises. ◼ The shoreline advances inland