Facts About Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean, stretching between the Americas, Europe, and Africa, is filled with fascinating facts and mysteries. As the second-largest ocean on Earth, it plays a crucial role in global climate, biodiversity, and human history. From powerful currents and diverse marine life to historic shipwrecks and hidden underwater landscapes, the Atlantic offers endless intrigue.

21 Interesting Facts About the Atlantic Ocean

Where is the Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is located between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean near Antarctica in the south.

World map highlighting the location of the Atlantic Ocean, which lies between the continents of Europe and Africa to the east and the Americas to the west, extending from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south.

How Big is the Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean, Earth's second-largest ocean, spans approximately 85,133,000 square kilometers (32,870,000 square miles) excluding its marginal seas, or around 106,460,000 square kilometers (41,105,000 square miles) when included, covering about 20% of Earth's surface.

How Wide is the Atlantic Ocean

The width of the Atlantic Ocean varies by location. It is approximately 2,848 kilometers (1,770 miles) at its narrowest point between Brazil and Liberia, and it reaches about 4,583 kilometers (2,848 miles) at its widest between the United States and Northern Africa.

How Deep is the Atlantic Ocean

The average depth of the Atlantic Ocean is approximately 3,646 meters (11,962 feet). The deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean is located in the Puerto Rico Trench, at the Milwaukee Deep, with a max depth of about 8,376 meters (27,480 feet).

the North Atlantic ocean and South Atlantic ocean.

Map depicting the division between the North Atlantic and South Atlantic oceans.

Divided Into Two Parts

The Atlantic Ocean is divided into the North Atlantic and South Atlantic by the Equator. This division is based on significant differences in water temperature, salinity, and marine life between the two halves.

How Did the Atlantic Ocean Form

The Atlantic Ocean began forming millions of years ago as the supercontinent Pangaea started to break apart. This process, known as continental drift and seafloor spreading, gradually widened the gap between landmasses, giving rise to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Youngest Ocean

In geological terms, the Atlantic Ocean is considered the youngest among Earth's major oceans, as its formation began about 180 million years ago with the break-up of Pangaea.

A map showcasing the Atlantic Ocean's underwater topography, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, abyssal plains, and mountain ranges.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a massive underwater mountain range that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean to near the Southern Ocean. Part of the longest mountain range on Earth, this ridge is a site of active seafloor spreading, where tectonic plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle. As the magma cools, it forms new oceanic crust, gradually widening the Atlantic Ocean.

The Atlantic Ocean is Getting Wider

The Atlantic Ocean is expanding at a rate of approximately 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year due to seafloor spreading along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where new oceanic crust forms as tectonic plates diverge.

Atlantic Ocean Temperature

The Atlantic Ocean's water temperature varies significantly by region; in the North Atlantic, recent trends show temperatures often exceeding historical averages, with equatorial and tropical areas reaching up to 30°C (86°F), while the North experiences warmer conditions due to currents like the Gulf Stream.

The Atlantic Ocean Color

The color of the Atlantic Ocean varies significantly depending on location, depth, and environmental conditions. Near tropical regions, it can appear turquoise or light blue due to clear water and sandy bottoms. In open sea areas, it's a deep blue. Coastal waters might look greenish from algae and sediment, while near the poles, the ocean takes on a pale blue or greyish tone. Additionally, it can exhibit a greenish hue during algal blooms.

Colors of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from deep blue to green, pale green, and turquoise

Named After Atlas

The Atlantic Ocean is named after Atlas, the Titan from Greek mythology who was tasked with carrying the heavens on his shoulders, thus referred to as the 'Sea of Atlas' or 'Atlantikos.' Historically, it has also been known as the Great Western Ocean, reflecting its position relative to Europe during the Age of Discovery.

Rich in Marine Life

The Atlantic Ocean is rich in marine life, hosting an abundance of species like whales, dolphins, sharks, seabirds, various fish including Atlantic cod, sea turtles like the leatherback, and extensive coral reefs along its coasts. This diversity makes it a vital source for global seafood.

Strong Currents

The Atlantic Ocean features strong currents, such as the Gulf Stream, which originates in the Gulf of Mexico and travels up the eastern coast of North America. This current significantly affects the climate of Western Europe by transporting warm water across the Atlantic, warming and moderating the region's weather.

Hurricane Alley

The North Atlantic is an area where powerful hurricanes frequently form, often earning parts of it the nickname 'Hurricane Alley', particularly the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. These regions' warm waters provide ideal conditions for hurricane development, which can lead to significant impacts along the coasts of North and Central America.

A map of the Bermuda Triangle in the Atlantic Ocean.

Home to the Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle, located in the western North Atlantic, is infamous for the mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft. This region, roughly bounded by Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, has gained notoriety for these events, though many incidents can be explained by natural phenomena like severe weather, human error, or navigational challenges.

Sargasso Sea

The Sargasso Sea, located entirely within the North Atlantic, is unique as it is the only sea defined by ocean currents rather than land boundaries. It is renowned for its floating mats of Sargassum seaweed, which create a distinctive habitat for a variety of marine species.

Many Islands

The Atlantic Ocean is dotted with numerous islands, ranging from tiny, uninhabited rocks to expansive archipelagos. These islands have been formed through various geological processes including tectonic plate movements, volcanic activity, continental drift, sedimentation, and coral reef growth. Notable island groups include the Caribbean Islands, Canary Islands, Azores, and the British Isles.

Map of the Atlantic Ocean highlighting various island systems known for peralkaline magmatism, including: 1) Iceland with specific locations of peralkaline activity, 2) Azores, 3) Madeira, 4) Canary Islands, 5) Cape Verde, 6) Cameroon Line (oceanic sector), 7) Fernando de Noronha, 8) Ascension Island, 9) St. Helena, 10) Trindade, 11) Tristan da Cunha, 12) Gough Island, and 13) Bouvet Island.

Major Climate Influence

The Atlantic Ocean significantly influences Earth's climate through its currents and heat distribution. It's a crucial segment of the thermohaline circulation, often referred to as the 'Great Ocean Conveyor Belt,' which circulates warm and cold water around the globe, playing a vital role in regulating global weather patterns and temperatures.

Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean Meet

The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet near Cape Horn and within the Drake Passage, at the southern tip of South America, but don't expect a distinct, unmixed boundary between them. Due to ocean currents—especially the Antarctic Circumpolar Current—their waters mix, often with subtle variations in color and texture due to differences in salinity and temperature. Any visible divide in the ocean is more likely where a river or glacier meets the sea, not a separation between these two vast oceans.

Map showing where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet at Cape Horn.

Major Oil and Gas Reserves

The Atlantic Ocean contains substantial deposits of oil and natural gas beneath its seabed, particularly off the coasts of Brazil, Nigeria, and in the Gulf of Mexico. These regions are known for their rich hydrocarbon reserves and other valuable minerals, driving exploration and extraction activities.

View of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meeting near Cape Horn and within the Drake Passage, where ocean currents like the Antarctic Circumpolar Current blend their waters, creating subtle shifts in color and texture.

These characteristics make the Atlantic Ocean a vital and fascinating part of Earth’s natural and cultural history.