Jun 16, 2024 · Historically, there are four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, most countries - including the United States - now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as …

Feb 21, 2025 · The origin of the phrase 'Seven Seas' traces back back to ancient times. While there is only one global ocean, the seas are usually divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and …

Jun 16, 2024 · The average depth of the ocean is about 3,682 meters (12,080 feet). The lowest ocean depth on Earth is called the Challenger Deep and is located beneath the western Pacific Ocean in …

Jun 16, 2024 · With an area of about 6.1 million square miles, the Arctic Ocean is about 1.5 times as big as the United States. It is bordered by Greenland, Canada, Norway, Alaska, and Russia.

Jun 16, 2024 · The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world ocean basins. The 'Ring of Fire' is defined by a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain …

Explore our curated list of ocean topics to learn about NOAA's role in protecting, exploring, and conserving this vast resource.

Jun 16, 2024 · The "garbage patch" is a popular name for concentrations of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. While "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is a term often used by the media, it does not …

The two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion caused by warming of the ocean (since water expands as it warms) and increased melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice …

Jun 16, 2024 · They examine deep currents, the ocean-atmosphere relationship that influences weather and climate, the transmission of light and sound through water, and the ocean's interactions with its …

How do hurricanes form? Warm ocean waters and thunderstorms fuel power-hungry hurricanes. Hurricanes form over the ocean, often beginning as a tropical wave—a low pressure area that moves …