Five oceanic divisions are usually recognized: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Antarctic/Southern Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean; the last two listed are sometimes consolidated into the first three. Learn about the ocean and its inhabitants, from sea turtles to whales. The ocean is essential to life on Earth.
It covers more than 70% of our planet and holds 96.5% of all water. It regulates our climate, generates half of Earth's oxygen, and is home to millions of species. Ocean, continuous body of salt water held in enormous basins on Earth’s surface. There is one ‘world ocean,’ but researchers often separate it into the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans.
ocean chords, For much of recorded history, Earth was said to have four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, many countries—including the United States —now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean as the fifth. Curious about the oceans, their ecosystems, and the vital role they play in sustaining life on Earth? Explore OCEARCH Ocean Facts to learn how the seas regulate climate, provide food and oxygen, and support incredible biodiversity—from coral reefs to the open ocean. Ocean Explorer is the perfect interactive ocean lesson for kids, students, and marine biology enthusiasts.
ocean chords, Learn about ocean pressure, ocean temperature by depth, the ocean food chain, and deep sea adaptations. Dive deep into the mysteries of marine life, the impact of human activity on Earth’s oceans, and the efforts to protect these vital ecosystems from threats including pollution, overfishing, and... There is technically one global ocean, but we generally refer to it by its five distinct basins: the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Southern, and the Arctic.
