disappear from the face/surface of the earth

[angliholic]

Pandas are endangered animals. Without protection, they will disappear from the face/surface of the earth.



Do both face and surface do the trick in the above sample and convey the same idea? Thanks.

[David L.]

"From the face of the earth" is a common phrase.
To use "surface" in this context: where else COULD they disappear from? Pandas don't live deep underground, so it would sound very odd.

[angliholic]

Thanks, David.
Got it.