Difference Between Ocean and Sea

The difference between sea and ocean lies to the extent that they have, since the seas are smaller than the oceans, being, therefore, part of them. Apart from what is indicated, the seas are closed, while the oceans are open and have greater depth.

The seas and oceans correspond to the liquid masses of planet Earth that cover the continents, rivers, lakes, and lagoons. They are formed by large portions of saltwater and cover about 71% of the earth’s surface.

As such, the oceans have an immense surface of saltwater with sea currents and great depths; On the other hand, the seas are masses of saltwater, of less depth and size, located between the earth and the oceans. Also, the seas exist as large salty lakes, as an example: the Caspian Sea, Dead Sea, Aral Sea.

On the other hand, in relation to the depth also influences the temperature. In the oceans, the temperature is lower, about 4 degrees anywhere. On the other hand, the seas being closer to the earth receive solar radiation, and temperatures can vary, for example: in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean Sea the waters are warm and, in the North Sea they are colder.

Although with global warming, the volume of water in the oceans and seas has increased in recent years as a result of the melting of the poles, some seas have suffered from the desertification process, affecting other areas of the planet.

With regard to the marine life, without a doubt in the sea lives a diversity of species product of the enjoyment of solar radiation, while in the oceans usually live few animal and plant species adapted to the depth and low temperatures, for example: Abyssal fish (sailfish, shark, sea demon, dragonfish, etc.)

However, with the biological, physical and chemical pollution caused by the excess of garbage such as environmental disasters, the seas have caused the death of the various species, and consequently the environmental imbalance. Hence, the importance of preserving the planet’s water, essential for the survival of animal and plant species, is derived.

Seas of the world

According to the International Hydrographic Organization, there are about 60 seas in the world, the most important being:

Mar de las Antillas: also called the Caribbean Sea, located between Central and South America, with an area of 2.7 million km².
Aral Sea: located in Central Asia, and has an area of approximately 68 thousand km².
Baltic Sea: located in northeastern Europe, with an area of 420 thousand km².
Caspian Sea: located in southeastern Europe, it has an area of 371 thousand km².
Mediterranean Sea: considered the largest inland continental sea in the world, located between Africa and Asia, with an approximate area of 450 thousand km².
Dead Sea: located in the Middle East, with an area of 650 km².
Black Sea: located between Europe, Anatolia and Caucasus have an area of 436 km².
Red Sea: located between Africa and Asia, with an approximate extension of 450 thousand km². difference between sea and ocean

Oceans of the world

There are five oceans on planet Earth, such as:

Atlantic Ocean: located between the Americas, Europe, and Africa, with an area of 106 million km² and a maximum depth of 7,750m. It has the largest commercial flows (export and import).
Pacific Ocean: considered the largest and deepest ocean on the planet, located between Asia, America and Oceania, it has a total area of 180 million km² and a depth of approximately 10,000m.
Indian Ocean: located between Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with 74 million km².
Arctic Ocean: located in the northern hemisphere, with 14 million km².
Antarctic Ocean: located in the southern hemisphere, with an area of 22 million km². difference between sea and ocean

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