Yahoo: 15 riveting images from the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
15 riveting images from the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
New Scientist: International Space Station image shows beauty of the world's oceans
How Many Oceans Are There In The World? For much of recorded history, Earth was said to have four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, many countries—including the United States —now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean as the fifth.
Oceans moderate the climate of locations where prevailing winds blow in from the ocean. At similar latitudes, a place on Earth with more influence from the ocean will have a more moderate climate than a place with more influence from land.
Since the year 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) started recognizing 5 oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean.
have divided it into five principal areas: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans. The Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans merge into icy waters around Antarctica.
However, those conducting oceanic research generally recognize the existence of five major oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic oceans. Arbitrary boundaries separate these bodies of water, but they are largely defined by the continents that frame them.
Oceans cover over 70% of Earth’s surface, making them the planet’s largest ecosystem. They hold about 97% of all water on Earth and are vital to life everywhere.
The seven named oceans and many seas, bays, and estuaries, are all interdependent and connected as one global ocean. The importance of the ocean to our everyday lives is indisputable.