1. What are the earth’s oceans and what is their importance?

The oceans cover almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, with the Pacific being the largest of all. The depth of the ocean is variable, but thin compared to its surface. Experts estimate the average ocean depth to be approximately 3,900 meters.

Due to the enormous surface they cover, the oceans are the main component of the Earth, the origin of life on the planet and an essential part of existence itself. The oceans have a very important role in regulating temperature, as they are the largest carbon sinks on Earth, which is why they are the most powerful influencers of climate and weather patterns on the planet.

Earth’s oceans, in order of area            Ocean Surface (Km2)                                 Average depth

Pacific                                                 155 560 000                                                   4280

Atlantic                                              106 500 000                                                   3646

Indian                                                 68 560 000                                                     3741

Antarctic                                            20 327 000                                                     3270

Arctic                                                  14,056,000                                                     1,205

The three deepest trenches in the world are located in the Pacific Ocean: the Mariana Trenches with a depth of 11,034 meters. The Tonga Trench, near New Zealand, with 10,822 meters; the Japan Trench, with 10,554 meters. The deepest trench in the Atlantic Ocean is that of Puerto Rico, with 8,800 meters.