Which term refers to the part of the earth's surface not permanently covered by water?

The term that refers to the part of the earth's surface not permanently covered by water is "Land." This definition encompasses all terrestrial surfaces, including continents and islands, which remain above the water level and are not influenced by the transient nature of water bodies like rivers or lakes.

Land is distinct from other options as it is a broad term that includes all types of solid surfaces where human and natural activities can occur, be it urban development, agriculture, or natural ecosystems. The term effectively captures the entirety of the solid ground available for habitation and use, making it the most accurate choice among the options.

While "Dry Land" could imply an area not currently submerged, it may not be as comprehensive as "Land," as it could suggest areas that are only temporarily dry. "Surface" is more vague, as it could refer to any layer or top part of a material, not specifically to areas not covered by water. "Terrain," on the other hand, usually relates to the physical characteristics or the configuration of the land itself, which does not directly address the aspect of being uncovered by water. Therefore, "Land" is the most precise term for describing the terrestrial parts of the Earth's surface.