In Genesis, what did Noah find when he removed the ark's covering?

In Genesis, Noah found that the ground was dry when he removed the ark’s covering.

Genesis 8:13 says that, in Noah’s six hundred and first year, the waters had dried from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. The text then states that the earth was fully dry later, after God instructed Noah to leave the ark.

This detail follows the bird sequence. Noah had already used a raven and doves to gather signs about the receding waters, including the dove’s olive leaf. Removing the covering provides a direct visual confirmation rather than another test involving an animal.

The episode also marks the transition from preservation inside the ark to renewed life outside it. After leaving, Noah built an altar and offered burnt offerings. Genesis then presents God’s covenant with Noah and the living creatures, symbolized by the rainbow.