This question can come across in tests on geography or in a crossword puzzle: a continent that washes 4 oceans? An educated person knows for sure the correct answer. Well, and if he doesn’t know yet, he will deal with us.
Explanation of the geographical term "mainland"
Sometimes there is confusion in the terminology, since two designations are used: “mainland” and “continent”. Is there a difference between them? In fact, these words are synonyms. They denote large land masses located above sea level and surrounded by water. So, we can say either the continent, or the mainland, which washes 4 oceans, the meaning of the question will not change from this. The only difference is that the mainland is only above the surface of the ocean, and the continent includes underwater continental slopes and shelves. But, despite this, both words are used equally. Although geologists could argue with this statement, since they spent many years studying this difference.
How many continents on the planet?
To answer the question about which continent is washed by four oceans, you must first find out how many continents exist. On Earth, there are 6 large land masses that are considered continents:
- The first is Eurasia - the largest continent on the planet, which consists of two parts that are different in historical and cultural development. They are called Europe and Asia.
- The second continent is Africa, it occupies a fifth of all the terrestrial land.
- The third largest is North America.
- The fourth place belongs to South America, it occupies 12% of land.
- The fifth largest mainland is Australia. There is only one state with a very low population density.
- The presence of the sixth continent is still debated by both laymen and scientists. Many believe that Antarctica is not the mainland.
The current division of the continents may change over time, as they converge very slowly.
Supermater
The continent, which washes 4 oceans - Eurasia. He is rightly considered a supercontinent, as he is the largest of all. The total area of ​​this land mass is more than 54 million km². In addition to the mainland itself, this figure includes the area of ​​15 peninsulas.
Eurasia has such a serious extent that the entire list of climatic zones is presented on its territory. And natural zones are formed under the influence of the four oceans of the planet.
The population of Eurasia is about 5 billion people. There are approximately 93 states and 10 unrecognized entities on the continent.
Oceans washing the continent of Eurasia. Atlantic
West and southwest supercontinent is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. This is not the most significant ocean (it is inferior in size to the Pacific), but its water area is considered the most developed of all. By the way, the Atlantic area is more than 91 million km², and its average depths are almost 4 thousand meters. The deepest place is the Puerto Rico trench, which is more than 8700 m.
East Coast. Pacific Ocean
The eastern coast of Eurasia is washed by the Pacific Ocean. This ocean is the largest and oldest on Earth. Its area is truly huge - it exceeds 178 million km². In fact, the Pacific Ocean occupies a third of the earth's surface. Its area is half the entire area of ​​the oceans.
The name "Quiet" does not match the nature of the ocean itself. It was invented by Magellan, who was very lucky with the weather during the voyage around the world.
Data on average depth are mixed. According to some estimates, it is 3900 m, but other researchers believe that it is 4200 m. The deepest point is the Mariana Trench. It is over 11 km.
The eastern coast of Eurasia is divided by bays and peninsulas, has many islands of different sizes.
South coast. Indian Ocean
The southern coast of Eurasia is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Its value is the third in the general list of oceans. An area of ​​just over 76 million km². The average depths of the ocean are very decent - 3,711 m. The deepest point exceeds 7 km. Its name is Sunda Trench.
The shores of Eurasia on the south side are cut significantly less than on other sides. There are significant geographical objects here: the Arabian Peninsula and the Hindustan Peninsula, as well as the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
North coast. Arctic Ocean
In the north, the continent, which washes 4 oceans, is bounded by the Arctic Ocean. It is small and cold, which determines the polar and subpolar climate of the coast. The ocean area is about 16 million km², the maximum depth is about 5500 m. But the average depth is only 1200 m.
The northern coast of Eurasia has a very wide shelf, which is exceptionally rich in minerals. Shelf development is carried out by Russia, Denmark and Norway.
Now you know some of the features of our vast continent. If you are asked, Eurasia - what is the mainland? Which is washed by 4 oceans, - boldly answer this question.