The Atlantic Ocean lies between the Americas to the west and Europe, Africa, and Antarctica to the east. Its approximate coordinates are:
- Westernmost Point: Cape Morris Jesup, Greenland (83°39′N 32°40′W)
- Easternmost Point: Cape Agulhas, South Africa (34°49′S 20°00′E)
- Northernmost Point: Baffin Island, Canada (73°05′N 85°00′W)
- Southernmost Point: Joinville Island, Graham Land Peninsula, Antarctica (63°15′S 55°45′W)
Size and Depth
- Surface area: approximately 106,460,000 square kilometers (41,140,000 square miles)
- Volume: approximately 310,410,900 cubic kilometers (74,565,000 cubic miles)
- Average depth: around 3,926 meters (12,877 feet)
- Maximum depth: Puerto Rico Trench, 8,605 meters (28,225 feet)
Bodies of Water
The Atlantic Ocean is connected to the Arctic Ocean by the Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baffin Bay. It connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal and Drake Passage, and to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal and Red Sea.
Sea Names within the Atlantic
- Caribbean Sea
- Sargasso Sea
- North Sea
- Baltic Sea
- Mediterranean Sea
- Gulf of Mexico
Climate and Currents
The Atlantic Ocean experiences a wide range of climates, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the warm tropical waters near the equator. Major currents in the Atlantic include the warm Gulf Stream, flowing north along the east coast of North America, and the cold Labrador Current, flowing south along the east coast of Canada.
Landforms
The Atlantic Ocean floor is complex, with various landforms such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a submarine mountain chain that runs north-south through the center of the ocean, and the continental shelf, a gently sloping underwater extension of the continents.
Biodiversity and Marine Life
The Atlantic Ocean is home to a diverse array of marine life, including fish, whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and sea turtles. It also supports vibrant ecosystems like coral reefs and kelp forests.
Economic Importance
The Atlantic Ocean has been crucial to human civilization for centuries, serving as a major route for trade, transportation, and communication. Fishing and offshore oil drilling are significant economic activities in the Atlantic.
Threats and Challenges
The Atlantic Ocean faces various environmental threats, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. International efforts are underway to protect and preserve this vital body of water.
