Oceans are the large, linked bodies of saltwater that have approximately 71% of the surface area on Earth and contribute significantly to maintaining the climate of the planet, housing marine ecosystems, and providing international trade routes. Although individuals frequently use "the ocean" as one unit, it is classically separated into several distinct areas for historical, cultural, and scientific purposes.
For many years, it was generally accepted there were four oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. Most nations today—indeed, even the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) —officially recognize a fifth one, the Southern (or Antarctic) Ocean. This is a reflection of changing science and global agreement about the contours of these large bodies of water.
Complete List of Oceans in the World
| Ocean Name | General Location |
| Pacific Ocean | Between Asia/Australia and the Americas |
| Atlantic Ocean | Between the Americas and Europe/Africa |
| Indian Ocean | Between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent |
| Southern Ocean | Surrounds Antarctica, south of 60° South latitude |
| Arctic Ocean | Surrounds the Arctic region, north of Europe, Asia, and North America |
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the biggest and deepest ocean on the planet, running from the Arctic north to the Southern Ocean south, and between the Americas and Asia/Australia. It has a coverage area of approximately 63 million square miles and holds the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the planet. The Pacific is famous for its "Ring of Fire"—an area with numerous volcanoes and earthquakes—and abounds in seagoing life and resources. Its currents and winds strongly shape world climate, and it was so named by Ferdinand Magellan due to its relative calmness to the Atlantic.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest, lying between the Americas in the west and Europe and Africa in the east. It is characterized by its S-shaped basin and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a system of underwater mountains. The Atlantic has been highly important to human history, being an important route for exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.
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Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, and it borders Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Southern Ocean. It is the warmest ocean and is crucial for international trade, particularly in transporting oil. The Indian Ocean is recognized for its monsoon weather conditions and abundant biodiversity, such as coral reefs and sea species.
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica and is the fourth-largest ocean. It is characterized by its cold, nutrient-dense waters and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which stabilizes Earth's climate. The Southern Ocean maintains a variety of marine life, including krill, whales, and penguins, and is important to global ocean circulation.
Arctic Ocean
The smallest and shallowest of the five oceans, the Arctic Ocean surrounds the North Pole and lies adjacent to North America, Europe, and Asia. Sea ice covers it for most of the year and it is home to special, cold-tolerant wildlife such as polar bears and walruses. The Arctic Ocean is becoming more significant as a result of global warming and the melting of ice, which is creating new shipping lanes and affecting ecosystems.
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