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 …

Dec 22, 2025 · Ocean, continuous body of salt water held in enormous basins on Earth’s surface. There is one ‘world ocean,’ but researchers often separate it into the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, …

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.

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 …

May 27, 2025 · 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.

May 27, 2025 · Discover the five major oceans of the world: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic. Learn their locations and unique characteristics.

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

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 …