O_O I was sleeping :T_T:
- Doton, basically, is one of the five basic elemental nature transformations. It exists in multiple forms; Mud, Rock and Dirt. It is a very versatile element, almost as versatile as Water, if not more versatile, and can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. It is perhaps the most useful element, as you are able to create different forms and shapes and sizes from the techniques, and can be used for various purposes. With the Earth Element, you can manipulate the terrain, and change it, manipulating surrounding rock or terrain to perform jutsu, using it as a basis for the technique. You can also create the technique, and shoot a mudshot out from your body, your mouth. Usually, you need to be in contact with the ground to perform Earth Techniques, if the jutsu in question is performed by manipulating surrounding land, or using the land as a basis for your jutsu. You need to send you chakra through the ground thereon forth. If the jutsu in question, however, does not require any existing rock or land, you can perform the technique even in mid-air. Some examples are Dropping Lid, and Sticky Mud Fall.
Also, with Earth, you can change the composition, the hardness and such, from as hard as stone/metal, or as soft as clay/plasticine? As shown by the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, you are able to change the density of objects and matter, and change their mass and weight accordingly, allowing flexibility and crippling powers. Along with that, Earth Release is also useful for transportation, as you can not only create pillars to move you to a different location, but also go underground and evade attacks. However, this makes you susceptible to earthquakes.
Iwagakure Ninjas are commonly affiliated with the element, Earth, and many ninjas were shown capable of doing it. I suppose thats where its name stems from. Also, it has been shown that the hand seal 'Snake', the one where both of your hands are held together, fingers entwined and intersected. Also you can slam your hand on to the ground alternatively.
- Earth is strong against Water, as water needs something solid to flow on, and that is earth. By manipulating Earth, you can either create a wall, which would cause the water to come to a complete halt, since it has no alternative but to flow back or do nothing. When it hits something solid, and gets its way blocked, water jutsu cannot continue flowing. However, a forceful enough, in other words, a higher ranked water technique is able to break the earthen wall. Earth is weak to Lightning, and the reason is pretty obvious; Earth, being a great conductor of lightning, would have lightning pass through it quickly and forcefully, and lightning can easily destroy its minerals contained, and destroy the earth. Thus, Earth is weak to Lightning.
- By combining it with Fire, I suppose you get Lava, a unique Kekkei Genkai, which is hotter than normal fire, and is very thick liquid or substance. By combining it with Water, you get an advanced element called Wood, although you should get Mud sometimes, if you do not possess the KG. As for the other elements, it is not yet comfirmed. Also, it is a component of the KT Dust Release, shown by Onoki and Muu.
- Some Doton users included are; Onoki, Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Yamato.