Oceanography

Question 1

How much of the Earth’s surface makes up the oceans?

Answer 1

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. 29% is land.

Question 2

Why study the oceans?

Answer 2

• Last frontier
• Countries divide oceans near their land
• Oil and food shortages
• Source of rain and snow for rivers
• Influence climate

Question 3

What are the five oceans of the world?

Answer 3

In order from largest to smallest: Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean.

Question 4

Pacific Ocean

Answer 4

• Accounts for 52% of the world’s ocean water
• Deepest and largest basin
* Land features:
Ring of fire, mountains around basins, least affected by continents, many islands, most islands caused by volcanoes, deepest trench: Mariana

Question 5

Atlantic Ocean

Answer 5

• Shallow basin, average 3310 m deep
• 26% of the world’s ocean water
• Large continental margins
• Large rivers enter – Amazon and Congo (25% of world’s fresh water flows from these rivers)
* Land Features
• Mid – Atlantic Ridge runs down the center. It is the longest continuous mountain range in the world.

Question 6

Indian Ocean

Answer 6

• Smallest of major three oceans
• 20% of world's ocean water
• Mostly in the southern hemisphere
• Two sources of warm salt water – Red Sea and Arabian Sea
* Land Features 
• Y – shaped ridge

Question 7

Southern Ocean

Answer 7

• Noted for ferocious weather and high waves
• Located between 60° South & the continent of Antarctica
* Land Features
• Deepest point located in South Sandwich Trench

Question 8

Arctic Ocean

Answer 8

• 2% of world’s ocean water
• Circular in shape
• Mostly surrounded by land
• Most shallow
• Covered by ice most of the year