Student Question

What are the four major oceans?

Quick answer:

The four major oceans on Earth are the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. These oceans cover about 70% of the planet's surface. The Atlantic Ocean is bordered by the Americas, Europe, and Africa, while the Pacific Ocean lies between Asia and the Americas. The Indian Ocean is primarily south of the equator, bordered by Africa and Australia, and the Arctic Ocean is surrounded by countries like Canada, Greenland, and Russia.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Oceans make up about 70 percent of Earth’s surface. There are four major oceans on our planet. They are the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean.

The Atlantic Ocean is bordered by the Americas on its western shore and by Europe and Africa on its eastern shore. The Atlantic Ocean is located both north and south of the equator.

The Pacific Ocean is bordered by Asia on its western shore and by the Americas on its eastern shore. The Pacific Ocean is located both north and south of the equator.

The Indian Ocean is bordered by Africa on its western shore and by Australia on its eastern shore. Most of the Indian Ocean is located south of the equator.

The Arctic Ocean is connected to both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Bering Sea and the Bering Strait and to the Atlantic Ocean through the large opening between Greenland and Scandinavia. Several countries surround the Arctic Ocean, including Canada, Greenland, and Russia.

The four main oceans are the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian, and the Arctic.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

References

Approved by eNotes Editorial