Oceans are thought to have formed in the Hadean eon and may have been the cause for the emergence of life. Plate tectonics, post-glacial rebound, and sea level rise continually change …

Feb 19, 2025 · For much of recorded history, Earth was said to have four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, many countries—including the United States …

Nov 9, 2017 · Since the year 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) started recognizing 5 oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean.

Nov 17, 2025 · However, those conducting oceanic research generally recognize the existence of five major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans. Arbitrary …

Jun 16, 2024 · While there is only one global ocean, the vast body of water that covers 71 percent of the Earth is geographically divided into distinct named regions. The boundaries between …

Sep 4, 2025 · Learn about the ocean and its inhabitants, from sea turtles to whales. The ocean is essential to life on Earth. It covers more than 70% of our planet and holds 96.5% of all water. It …

The vast bodies of water surrounding the continents are critical to life on Earth. But overfishing and global warming threaten to leave oceans barren.

Although the ocean is one continuous body of water, oceanographers have divided it into five principal areas: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.

Ocean – the four to seven largest named bodies of water in the World Ocean, all of which have "ocean" in the name (see: Borders of the oceans for details). Sea has several definitions: [a] A …

Some 71 percent of Earth’s surface is covered by saltwater oceans, and the continents themselves possess lakes, rivers, and, in some cases, seas. The largest bodies of water are …