MAJOR OCEANS OF THE WORLD — LOCATION, FEATURES AND SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR OCEANS OF THE WORLD — LOCATION, FEATURES AND SIGNIFICANCE

1. Introduction

• The Earth has one interconnected global ocean, conventionally divided into five named oceans—the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic Oceans. (National Ocean Service)
• Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface and contain roughly 96.5–97% of the planet’s water. (USGS)
• They regulate climate, support marine biodiversity, facilitate trade and influence the global water and carbon cycles.

2. Pacific Ocean — Largest Ocean

• The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world’s oceans and lies mainly between Asia–Australia and the Americas.
• It occupies roughly one-third of the Earth’s surface and contains numerous islands and deep-sea trenches.
• The Mariana Trench, including Challenger Deep, contains the deepest known part of the global ocean.
• The Pacific is surrounded by the tectonically active “Ring of Fire,” characterised by earthquakes and volcanoes.

3. Atlantic Ocean — Major Trade Ocean

• The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean and lies between the Americas in the west and Europe–Africa in the east.
• It has an elongated, roughly S-shaped form and is crossed by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Major seas connected with it include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North and Baltic Seas.
• Historically, it has been one of the world’s most important routes for international commerce and transcontinental communication.

4. Indian Ocean — Strategic Ocean for India

• The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean and lies between Africa, Asia and Australia.
• It is the only major ocean named after a country—India.
• Important marginal seas include the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
• Its northern portion is strongly influenced by the monsoon circulation, producing seasonal reversals in winds and surface currents.
• It carries major sea routes connecting the Persian Gulf, Africa, Europe, South Asia and East Asia.

5. Southern Ocean