Which ocean is the largest in the world?

Enhance your skills with the HCCA Geography Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each supported with hints and explanations. Ace your test now!

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, covering an area of about 63 million square miles (165 million square kilometers). It stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north, to the Southern Ocean in the south, and is bordered by Asia and Australia on the west, and the Americas on the east. Its vast expanse is greater than all the landmasses on Earth combined, making it not only the largest in terms of surface area but also the deepest, with the Mariana Trench reaching depths of about 36,000 feet (11,000 meters).

The other oceans, while significant, do not come close in size. The Atlantic Ocean, for example, is the second largest and covers about 41 million square miles. The Indian Ocean is also considerable but ranks third, covering approximately 27 million square miles, while the Arctic Ocean is the smallest, covering around 5.4 million square miles. Thus, the Pacific Ocean’s sheer size and depth secure its position as the largest ocean on the planet.

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