Top 5 Largest Ocean's Of The World

 

The world's largest oceans and seas

The Earth’s surface is made up of more than 70 per cent water, which is vital to all organisms on the planet.

The world’s biggest water bodies, the oceans, are a mark of international pride and are sometimes also called Earth’s lifelines, since they provide sea-lanes for international trade, apart from providing products like seafood as well as marine life itself for aquariums, pets.

Celebrating these lifelines, the United Nations Organisation (UN) recognized the 8th day of June every year as World Oceans Day, since 2008.

1. Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world. It’s so huge, in fact, that its mass makes up half of Earth’s water. It is also the deepest ocean on Earth, reaching astounding depths of 36,201 feet in the Mariana Trench. However, it receives very little continental drainage as compared to other oceans.

Did You Know?

The Pacific Ocean got its name from explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who was impressed by its calm and gentle winds and gave it a fitting title.

2. Atlantic Ocean

Covering approximately an entire fifth of the world’s surface, the Atlantic Ocean has the largest drainage area in the world. The northern portion, named the Northern Atlantic, drives the “global ocean conveyor” which is responsible for carrying cool waters across the surface of the planet and maintaining a sustainable global temperature.

Did You Know?

A wind stream known as the African Easterly Jet is a primary force in stirring up and driving hurricanes across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States.

3. Indian Ocean

This massive ocean takes up approximately 14% of the Earth’s surface and 20% of its overall ocean area, connecting with the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The largest islands in the Indian Ocean are Sri Lanka and Madagascar, both of which are home to rich ecosystems of diverse and fascinating wildlife. The Indian Ocean’s deepest point, the Java Trench of Indonesia, reaches 25,344 ft below sea level.

Did You Know?

The highest point of the Indian Ocean uniformly rests right at sea level, rather than above or below it as a result of geographical influences.

4. Southern Ocean

On the opposite pole of the Earth lies an even larger ocean: the Southern or Antarctic Ocean. While a number of indigenous people inhabit the Arctic, the only people established on the ice of the Southern Ocean are technicians and scientific researchers.

Did You Know?

The Southern Ocean is the most recent body of water to be designated an ocean, and not all researchers or countries officially recognize its status as an ocean yet.

5. Arctic Ocean

The northernmost body of water in the world, as well as the smallest and shallowest of all oceans, the Arctic Ocean is home to a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife. 12 different species of mammals inhabit the Arctic, from polar bears and walruses to a variety of majestic whales. They play critical parts in the local food web alongside sustaining the native human population.

Did You Know?

A large amount of sea ice floats in the Arctic Ocean, helping to regulate Earth’s climate and the temperature of the surrounding waters.

	Ocean / Sea	Area (sq km)	Area (sq miles)
1.	Pacific Ocean	165,250,000	63,800,000
2.	Atlantic Ocean	106,460,000	41,100,000
3.	Indian Ocean	70,560,000	27,240,000
4.	Southern Ocean	20,327,000	7,848,000
5.	Arctic Ocean	14,056,000	6,323,482