Although size is likely the most prominent characteristic, there are various other distinctions that differentiate these two types of water bodies.
The distinction between a sea and an ocean extends beyond mere size. Seas are typically smaller bodies of saltwater that are partially enclosed by land, while oceans are vast expanses of saltwater that cover significant portions of the Earth’s surface.
Additionally, seas often have a more direct connection to land and may be influenced by coastal ecosystems, whereas oceans are deeper and have a more uniform environment, playing a crucial role in global climate and weather patterns.
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Although size is likely the most prominent characteristic, as oceans are significantly larger than seas, there are various other distinctions that differentiate these two types of water bodies.
One significant distinction between seas and oceans lies in their geographical positioning. Oceans are vast, interconnected expanses of saltwater that encompass around 71% of the Earth’s surface, forming part of the global oceanic system. Our planet is home to five principal oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic. These oceans are linked, facilitating the uninterrupted movement of water and marine organisms worldwide.
Seas are relatively smaller bodies of saltwater, typically surrounded by land to a significant extent. They are often situated at the edges of oceans, linked by narrow passages or straits. Prominent examples of seas include the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea, and the South China Sea. Consequently, the geographical characteristics of seas facilitate various human activities such as fishing, shipping, and tourism, among others.
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Yet another significant distinction between seas and oceans lies in their depth and overall volume. Oceans are considerably deeper and contain a larger quantity of water compared to seas. On average, the depth of the world’s oceans is around 12,080 feet (3,682 meters), with the deepest location, known as the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, measuring roughly 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). Oceans feature expansive, open areas that extend to the abyssal plains, trenches, and mid-ocean ridges.
Seas tend to be shallower than oceans, with average depths varying from a few hundred to several thousand feet. The relatively shallow nature of seas facilitates greater light penetration, which in turn supports a distinct array of marine life compared to the deeper, darker waters of the ocean.
Salinity levels can differ significantly between seas and oceans. While both contain saltwater, seas typically exhibit higher salinity than oceans, primarily due to their proximity to land, the influence of river runoff, evaporation rates, and limited water exchange with the open ocean. A notable example is the Dead Sea, renowned for its exceptionally high salinity, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water globally.
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This elevated salinity is largely attributed to high evaporation rates and minimal river inflow. In contrast, the vastness of the ocean and the constant movement of its waters contribute to a more stable and generally lower salinity, with an average salinity of approximately 35 parts per thousand.
Oceans are crucial to the regulation of Earth’s climate, given their vast expanse, which allows them to absorb solar heat and release it at various intervals. This extensive area enables the oceans to store significant quantities of solar energy. Subsequently, ocean currents are responsible for distributing this energy across the planet.
Seas, while still significantly impacting local climates, exert a comparatively lesser influence than oceans. Their smaller dimensions and shallower depths result in reduced heat retention, leading to a diminished effect on global climate patterns.
All ocean basins and seas constitute a single vast body of water that is interconnected across the globe. This expansive entity is referred to as the Global Ocean, which hosts over 230,000 species of marine life.
NOTE – This article was originally published in mypunepulse and can be viewed here
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