Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world’s five oceans, covering approximately 20% of the Earth’s surface. It is a vast body of water that stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, and from the Americas in the west to Europe and Africa in the east. The Atlantic is a vital part of the global ocean system, playing a key role in regulating Earth’s climate and supporting a diverse range of life.

Amphipod – Iphimedia obesa

Sinuous Cactus Coral – Isophyllia sinuosa

Banded Tube Dwelling Anemone – Isarachnanthus maderensis

Cookie cutter shark – Isistius brasiliensis

Rippled rockskipper – Istiblennius edentulus

Parasite Of Antiopella Fusca – Ismaila belciki

Multiringed Chiton – Ischnochiton hartmeyeri

Dwarf round herring – Jenkinsia lamprotaenia

West Indian Furrow Lobster, Long-handed Spiny Lobster – Justitia longimana

Purple-crowned Sea Goddess – Felimare kempfi

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Geography

The Atlantic Ocean is divided into the North Atlantic and the South Atlantic by the equator. The North Atlantic is further divided into the North American Basin, the European Basin, and the African Basin. The South Atlantic is divided into the South American Basin and the African Basin.

Fauna

The Atlantic Ocean is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. Some of the most notable species include:

  • Fish: cod, herring, tuna, salmon, sharks
  • Mammals: whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions
  • Reptiles: sea turtles, sea snakes
  • Invertebrates: jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, shrimp

Surrounding Countries

The Atlantic Ocean borders many countries, including:

  • North America: Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
  • Europe: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, United Kingdom
  • Africa: Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa
  • South America: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

Depth

The average depth of the Atlantic Ocean is about 3,688 meters (12,100 feet). The deepest point in the Atlantic is the Puerto Rico Trench, which reaches a depth of 8,605 meters (28,232 feet).

Water Temperature

The water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean varies greatly depending on latitude and depth. In general, the surface waters are warmest in the tropics and coolest in the polar regions. The average surface water temperature is about 17°C (63°F). The water temperature decreases with depth, reaching about 4°C (39°F) at the bottom of the ocean.

Size

The Atlantic Ocean covers approximately 106,400,000 square kilometers (41,100,000 square miles). This is about 20% of the Earth's surface.