Oceans
Oceans are vast bodies of saline water that cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface and hold about 97% of the Earth’s total water supply. They are critical to life and climate regulation. The five major oceans, ranked by size, include:
- Pacific Ocean - The largest and deepest ocean, covering a significant area and hosting diverse marine life.
- Atlantic Ocean - The second-largest, well-known for being a major route for global trade and travel.
- Indian Ocean - The only ocean named after a country, vital for trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Southern Ocean - Surrounding Antarctica, plays a significant role in global climate and ocean currents.
- Arctic Ocean - The smallest and shallowest, located around the Arctic region, and facing significant environmental changes due to climate change.
These oceans are foundational elements of the Hydrosphere, emphasizing the distribution of water on Earth and the importance of oceans in providing habitat, regulating climates, and contributing to weather patterns.