What is an Ocean?
The word “ocean” is derived from the Greek word “oceanus” which means “the great river that encircles the world.” The word was first used by Homer in his epic poem, The Odyssey.
The ocean is a complex system that we still don’t fully understand. It is home to an incredible amount of species and contains most water on Earth. It provides us with food and jobs, but not only: it also regulates our climate and protects us from natural disasters.
Important facts about oceans
- The salinity in an ocean is higher than in a freshwater lake or river because saltwater has more dissolved minerals.
- Ocean water temperatures can range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and varies depending on their location.
- The currents in an ocean are caused by gravity and wind, which push water towards one side of the Earth.
How Many Oceans Are There? Five, six or seven?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it seems.
There are five oceans, but there are also six oceans.
The five oceans are the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. The sixth ocean is called the Antarctic Ocean. It is a part of the Southern Ocean and it surrounds Antarctica.
The idea that there are seven oceans stems from the term “Seven Seas” which was used by Romans, Persians, Talmudists, Arabs, British Colonists, and authors of pirate fiction.
The difference between a sea and an ocean, is that an ocean covers more than 71% of the Earth’s surface, while a sea only covers much less.
Five Oceans vs the World / Global Ocean
The term ‘world ocean’ or ‘global ocean’ refers to the total sum of oceans that covers about 70% of Earth’s surface.
The world ocean contains 97% of Earth’s water, has an average depth of 3,700 meters and a total volume of 1.35 billion cubic kilometers.
The global ocean is a very important part of our planet. It provides us with food, jobs, and recreation. The ocean also helps regulate our climate by absorbing heat from the sun and releasing it back into space.
Maxine Foti described the world / global ocean in her popular mermaid novel titled “Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost Symphony.” In particular, she wrote about two organizations: the Global Ocean’s Council, and the Global Ocean’s Army. If you’re curious, you can read more about them here, and download the official leaflets here.
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