The ocean is the largest component of the world’s oceans, located between the continents, with large dimensions, independent water and atmospheric circulation, and a special hydrological regime.
Due to the fact that 70% of the Earth’s surface is under water, our planet is called “blue”.
The largest ocean on Earth is the Pacific Ocean.
Interesting facts about the Pacific Ocean
General properties of the ocean
The surface area reaches 178.684 million km2. The maximum depth is 11 km in the Mariana Trench. The average depth of ocean waters is 3.8 km. The salinity index is average.
Why is the largest ocean on Earth called the Pacific Ocean?
During the expedition led by F. Magellan, which sailed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the latter was surprisingly peaceful and calm. Another name for this ocean is more fair – the Great Ocean, which covers a third of the Earth’s surface and half of the world’s oceans. The equator divides it almost in the middle into two parts: the North Pacific and the South Pacific. The waters of the Great Ocean wash the shores of five continents. Hurricanes are almost non-existent, the sky is usually full of stars, and the waters are surprisingly clean and clear.
Flora of the Pacific Ocean
The flora of the Pacific Ocean is very numerous and diverse. It accounts for 50% of the total biological mass of the world’s oceans. Phytoplankton consists of almost 1300 species of microscopic unicellular algae. There are more than 4,000 species of algae and 29 species of flowering plants on the ocean floor. Coral reefs, especially in tropical and equatorial latitudes, are particularly diverse.
Fauna of the Pacific Ocean
The fauna in the Pacific Ocean is 3-4 times more diverse than in other oceans. A characteristic feature is the presence of many ancient systematic groups and endemism. In the tropics, there are more than two thousand fish and six thousand species of mollusks. The North Pacific Ocean is home to giant mussels and oysters. The oceans are home to 95% of all salmon species and many endemic mammal species.
