Which ocean is the smallest by surface area?

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean by surface area, covering approximately 15.5 million square kilometers (6 million square miles). This is significantly smaller than the other major oceans, making it distinct in size. The Arctic Ocean is located around the North Pole and is surrounded by landmasses in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its smaller area is a result of its position as the northernmost ocean, which is not as expansive as the other oceans that extend over greater latitudes.

In comparison, the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean are all much larger. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest, followed closely by the Indian Ocean as the third-largest, and the Pacific Ocean is the largest of all, covering more surface area than all the other oceans combined. Each of these oceans extends over wider areas and contributes to global circulation patterns, maritime climates, and biodiversity in ways that the Arctic Ocean does not. The unique characteristics of the Arctic Ocean, including its extensive sea ice cover and relatively shallow depth, also influence its overall size and ecological aspects.