Exploring the oceans is an exciting experience. The abundance of information is systematized and gradually fits into consciousness. But sometimes you come across questions that you want to find answers on your own. Here, for example, which ocean is larger: Indian, Atlantic, and maybe the Arctic or the Pacific?
Any person who knows a little geography will unequivocally answer that the Pacific occupies a large area of the world's oceans. And the smallest is the Arctic. But what do we know about the two remaining? Which ocean is larger: Indian or Atlantic, we will consider in this article.
Determine the size of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic has a very solid area. It is over 90,000,000 km². The coastline has 13 seas, and the fourteenth hid in the middle of the water. Its name is Sargassovo. Surprisingly, this sea has no coast.
Despite the area with six zeros, the Atlantic Ocean is two times smaller than the great handsome Pacific Ocean. But the Atlantic is growing all the time. Some scientists believe that in 100-150 million years, the Atlantic Ocean will occupy most of the Earth.
Today, the Atlantic stretches for 7200 km in the widest place. The average depth of the ocean is more than 3,500 meters. The depth of the maximum depression off the coast of Puerto Rico is 8740 m.
Indian Ocean
Considering the information on the Indian Ocean, we will pay attention to the numbers to get an answer, which ocean is larger: Indian or Atlantic? This part of the World Ocean also has a very decent size. Its area is more than 76 million km². But there are very few seas in this area, only 5.
The area of the seas occupied 15% of the total ocean surface. The widest place of the Indian Ocean stretches for almost 10 thousand km. This is relatively small. But the average depth is quite decent - 3711 m. True, the Indian Ocean lost both the Pacific and the Atlantic in maximum depth. It is 7730 meters, the name of the deepest point is the Sunda Trench.
Compare and get the answer
So, we know the area of the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. We can compare and find out the answer to the question. 90 million and 76 million, the difference is quite substantial. Now we know for sure which ocean is larger: Atlantic or Indian. Of course, the Atlantic is larger, and the total volume of water in the Atlantic Ocean is also more significant than the Indian.
What do we know about the discovery of the Atlantic Ocean
Scientists consider the Atlantic as the youngest ocean in the world. The approximate time of its formation is 200 million years ago. This happened during the split of ancient Pangea. Two formed continents began to move in opposite directions, then another split occurred, and Godwana split into Africa and the South American continent. About 150 million years ago, the separation of Europe and North America occurred. Tectonic plates are still in motion, and this explains the increase in the area of the Atlantic.
Pioneers of the Atlantic Ocean rightfully consider the Vikings. Over time, the baton was picked up by the Portuguese and Spaniards. People really wanted to find a short road to India. Christopher Columbus, in search of the cherished path, discovered an unknown land, which he took over the Indian coast. And now everyone knows that it was America.
The name Atlantic Ocean received in honor of the hero of ancient myths - Atlanta. There is another theory, but it is unlikely.
Discovery and exploration of the Indian Ocean
Studying the question of which ocean is larger: Indian or Atlantic, it is worth looking into the history of their discovery and research. Perhaps this will help to learn more about the magnificent reservoirs of our planet.
The history of the Indian Ocean also began with the supercontinent Pangea. It was formed during the split of Godwana into Africa and America.
The first sailors of the Indian Ocean are the Sumerians, whose civilization existed in Mesopotamia. There are descriptions of waterways between India and Arabia. They date back to the third millennium BC. Good sailors were the Phoenicians. In VII-VI BC they managed to get around Africa. Our era is marked by the development of shipping on the waters of the Indian Ocean ships of India and China.
Marco Polo was the pioneer among Europeans who managed to cross the Indian Ocean from the Malacca Peninsula to the Persian Gulf. He compiled a detailed description of the route and the entire journey in the Book on the Diversity of the World.
Another interesting description of the journey was made by the merchant from Russia Athanasius Nikitin, who came to India through the Arabian Sea.
The honor of the official opening of the Indian Ocean to Europeans was assigned by historians to Portuguese navigators, in particular Bartolomeo Dias. He managed to understand that there was still a passage by sea to India.
We hope that we were able to give a comprehensive answer to the question of which ocean is larger: Indian or Atlantic. Read books about great sailors who, at the risk of their lives, made great discoveries. Study geography and you will find out the most interesting facts about our planet. Explore our Earth, learn more about the new achievements of science. Indian or Atlantic Ocean, which one deserves more attention? The answer is unequivocal - both, because they keep a lot of mysterious and unknown in their depths.
Geography and history are intertwined very closely. This is proved by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the history of the discovery of which is associated with many geographical puzzles. Ancient myths are intertwined here, as well as the pursuit of wealth, the court of slave traders, and bloodthirsty pirates. It may seem that nothing new can be learned, but it is not. Space technology and satellite observation have greatly expanded the capabilities of modern researchers. So you can wait for news about the new discoveries of scientists.