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 the coastline and …

Nov 9, 2017 · Since the year 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) started recognizing 5 oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean.

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 —now recognize …

Nov 17, 2025 · However, those conducting oceanic research generally recognize the existence of five major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans. Arbitrary boundaries …

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 these regions …

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

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 …

Sep 18, 2024 · The ocean is a huge body of saltwater that covers about 71 percent of Earth’s surface. The planet has one global ocean, though oceanographers and the countries of the world have …

Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Our Mission To provide American leadership, diplomacy, and scientific cooperation to conserve and protect the global …

Five oceanic divisions are usually reckoned: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern; the last two listed are sometimes consolidated into the first three. An ocean (from Ωκεανός, Okeanos (Oceanus) …