South China Sea Depth: Average and Maximum Measurements

South China Sea Depth: Average and Maximum Measurements

The South China Sea is a vast marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. Its bathymetry includes:

• Average Depth: 1,212 metres (3,976 feet)
• Maximum Depth: 5,560 metres (18,240 feet) in the Manila Trench (off the Philippines)

The sea features a shallow continental shelf (Sunda Shelf) in the south (<200 m) and a deep basin in the north and east. Its depth influences circulation, biodiversity, and strategic submarine operations.