Oceans
By Kelly Gearhart
What are Oceans?
Oceans are a body of saline water that covers about 70% of earth's surface. There are five different oceans:
- Pacific Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
- Indian Ocean
- Arctic Ocean
- Southern Ocean
The Pacific Ocean
- The largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions.
- Bigger than all of Earth's land area combined.
- Covers 46% of Earth's water surface.
- Separates Asia and Australia from the Americas.
The Atlantic Ocean
- The second largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions.
- Covers 20% of Earth's water surface.
- Has an average depth of 3.339 meters.
- The greatest depth is called Milwaukee Deep, with a depth of 8,380 meters.
- the principle feature of topography is a submarine mountain range: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It stretches from Iceland to below South Africa.
The Indian Ocean
- The warmest ocean in the world.
- The climate north of the Equator is affected by a monsoon climate. The monsoons bring rain to the Indian subcontinent.
The Arctic Ocean
- The smallest and the most shallow of all of the world's oceans.
- Partially covered by sea ice throughout the year and almost completely covered in winter.
The Southern Ocean
- Encircles Antarctica.
- It is geologically the youngest of all of the oceans. It was formed when Antarctica and South America moved apart.
Physical Characteristics of the Ocean
Exploring the Coral Reefs in Oceans
Exploring the Coral Reef: Learn about Oceans for Kids - FreeSchool
Types of Animals that live in the Oceans
Zoo Stories: Ocean Animals (for preschool and kindergarten kids)