Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's oceanic divisions, covering about 30% of the Earth's surface. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south and is bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.

Key Facts

• Size: The Pacific Ocean covers an area of about 63 million square miles, making it larger than all of Earth's landmasses combined.
• Depth: The average depth of the Pacific Ocean is around 13,000 feet, and the deepest point, the Mariana Trench, reaches a depth of about 36,000 feet.
• Islands: The Pacific Ocean is home to numerous islands, including Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Galapagos Islands.
• Ring of Fire: The Pacific Ocean is part of the "Ring of Fire," a region known for its volcanic and seismic activity due to its tectonic plate boundaries.

Study Guide

1. What percentage of the Earth's surface does the Pacific Ocean cover?
2. What are the boundaries of the Pacific Ocean?
3. What is the average depth of the Pacific Ocean?
4. Which is the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean?
5. What is the "Ring of Fire," and how is the Pacific Ocean involved?

Understanding the significance of the Pacific Ocean is crucial for understanding global geography and the impact of oceans on climate, ecosystems, and human societies.