Atlantic Ocean

File:Atlantic Ocean to Africa.ogv

1710 De La Feuille Map of Africa - Geographicus - Africa-lafeuille-1710

Atlantic bathymetry

Gulf Stream Sea Surface Currents and Temperatures NASA SVS

Circulacion termohalina

Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's oceans, with an area of about 106,460,000 square kilometers (41,100,000 square miles). It covers approximately 20 percent of the Earth's surface and about 29 percent of its water surface area. It separates the "Americas" to the west from Europe and Africa to the east.

Geography

The Atlantic Ocean extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south. It is bounded by North and South America on the western side and by Europe and Africa on the eastern side. The equator subdivides it into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean.

Major Features

The Atlantic Ocean is known for its large Gulf Stream, a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates at the tip of Florida, flowing along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream influences the climate of the east coast of North America from Florida to Newfoundland, and the west coast of Europe. Other notable features of the Atlantic Ocean include the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea which are some of the seas that border the ocean.

History

The name "Atlantic" is derived from the Atlantis myth as described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Throughout history, the Atlantic Ocean has been a significant route for navigation and trade between the Americas, Europe, and Africa. The Age of Discovery, from the late 15th century to the 18th century, was a period where European powers explored and colonized many parts of the world, significantly across the Atlantic.

Economy

The Atlantic Ocean plays a crucial role in the world economy, especially in the areas of shipping, fishing, and offshore oil and gas production. Major ports along the Atlantic coast include New York City, London, and Rotterdam. The Atlantic is also crucial for transatlantic cable routes providing telecommunications between the Americas and Europe/Africa.

Environment

The Atlantic Ocean faces several environmental challenges, including overfishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction. Climate change is also affecting the Atlantic, with changes in water temperature and currents having impacts on marine life and weather patterns.

Flora and Fauna

The Atlantic Ocean has a diverse range of marine life, including numerous species of fish, marine mammals like whales and dolphins, and sea turtles. Coral reefs, particularly in the Caribbean Sea, are vital habitats that support a diverse ecosystem.

See also

• Pacific Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Southern Ocean
• Arctic Ocean