What is the largest ocean on Earth?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Oceanography Test with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth, covering an area of about 63 million square miles (165 million square kilometers). It extends from the Arctic region in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south and separates Asia and Australia from the Americas. Its vast size accounts for more than 30% of the Earth's total surface area and over half of the world's oceanic water. This immense expanse makes it a significant player in global weather patterns, marine biodiversity, and geological activities, such as tectonic plate movements and earthquakes.

The Atlantic Ocean, while also large, is significantly smaller than the Pacific, encompassing just about 41 million square miles. The Indian Ocean, covering around 27 million square miles, ranks third among the world's oceans. Lastly, the Arctic Ocean is the smallest of all the oceans, covering only about 5.4 million square miles. Thus, the Pacific Ocean's sheer size and position make it the largest ocean on the planet.

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