This refers to a graphical representation used to show the share of the earth’s land area that is at various heights above or below sea level. The curve suggests that most of the earth’s land area is located at predominantly two levels. In contrast to the normal distribution curve, the vast majority of the earth’s land area is a little over sea level, while a little less, but still considerable, proportion of the remaining land is located at about 5,000 m below sea level. The hypsometric curve has been attributed to the significant difference in the densities of the materials that make up the continents and the sea bed.
