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An ocean (from Greek O?ea???, Okeanos (Oceanus)) is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface (an area of some 361 million square kilometers) is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep. Average oceanic salinity is around 35 parts per thousand (ppt) (3.5%), and nearly all seawater has a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt.

Though generally recognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise one global, interconnected body of salt water often referred to as the World Ocean or global ocean.^[1][2] This concept of a global ocean as a continuous body of water with relatively free interchange among its parts is of fundamental importance to oceanography.^[3] The major oceanic divisions are defined in part by the continents, various archipelagos, and other criteria these divisions are (in descending order of size) the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean (which is sometimes subsumed as the southern portions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans), and the Arctic Ocean (which is sometimes considered a sea of the Atlantic). The Pacific and Atlantic may be further subdivided by the equator into northerly and southerly portions. Smaller regions of the oceans are called seas, gulfs, bays and other names. There are also some smaller bodies of saltwater that are on land and not interconnected with the World Ocean, such as the Aral Sea, and the Great Salt Lake – though they may be referred to as 'seas', they are actually salt lakes.

The oceans cover 3/4 of the earth’s surface and have great impact on the biosphere. The evaporation of these oceans is how we get most of our rainfall, and their temperature determines our climate and wind pattern. Life within the ocean had already evolved 3 billion years prior to the movement of animal and plant life on land. The amount of life and distance from shore (abiotic factor) effects the major distribution of marine biomes. Animals such as algae, barnacles and mussels who live within the intertidal zone (land meets ocean) will fix themselves to rocks so they do not get washed from the resulting tides. The ocean is home to many species and consists of several other zones such as pelagic, benthic (sea floor), photic, and aphotic.^[4]

Geologically, an ocean is an area of oceanic crust covered by water. Oceanic crust is the thin layer of solidified volcanic basalt that covers the Earth's mantle where there are no continents. From this perspective, there are three oceans today the World Ocean and the Caspian and Black Seas, the latter two having been formed by the collision of Cimmeria with Laurasia. The Mediterranean Sea is very nearly a discrete ocean, being connected to the World Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar, and indeed several times over the last few million years movement of the African continent has closed the strait off entirely. The Black Sea is connected to the Mediterranean through the Bosporus, but this is in effect a natural canal cut through continental rock some 7,000 years ago, rather than a piece of oceanic sea floor like the Strait of Gibraltar.

Ocean Subcategories Ocean Articles Enjoy Soothing Ocean Breezes of Kailua by Robert Bell Dec 15, 2008 Turquoise waters sending gentle waves to lap softly against white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Soothing ocean breezes wash over you and set the palm trees swaying. Are you dreaming? No, you're enjoying the vacation of a lifeti... Challenges of Ocean Front Landscaping by VK Melhado Oct 20, 2008 Planting and maintaining a garden near a large body of salt water can be quite different from your average inland garden. If your plants are yellowing, burnt, or hard to establish, chances are they aren't the best choices for your ... Fighting Fatigue by Sandra Powers Aug 11, 2008 Fighting Fatigue by Sandy Powers My daughter was complaining how tired she is. Kay is in her middle thirties and had just started a new job in Human Resources. “I am so tired, “she sighed. “I’m dragging through the day. I’m... Mary, Mary Quite Contrary: How Does a Seaside Garden Grow?!! by Ted Guarnero Jul 10, 2008 Living near the sea or in a coastal region may exemplify your dream lifestyle, but it's no doubt that the harsh and particular conditions of the sea-side landscape make it hard for things to grow. But, plant growth is certainly not impossible - yo... Ultra Health Ocean Pollution and Purified Omegas by Dianne M. Buxton Jun 11, 2008 Ocean pollution is something to be concerned about. Mercury is an ongoing problem. It is created every day from burning coal. It ends up in the ocean, and in the fish. While we respond to nutrition education by adding more fish to our diet for anti-i... Are people going the way of the Manatee? by Danielle Golden May 01, 2007 Every spring farmers and urban dwellers spray their yards with tons of artificial fertilizers. This of course makes for acres of beautiful green grass, weed free of course and makes for an easier way to prepare fields for cultivation. But what most ... Places to Stay in Maryland in Your RV by Adrien White Jan 07, 2007 For a unique road trip, Maryland offers a lot and is relatively undiscovered. Maryland RV parks range in quality, but here are some of the better ones. Places to Stay in Maryland in Your RV Maryland is home to many different types of ... What is it about Surfing? by Tobey Brown Sep 14, 2006 Copyright 2006 Tobey Brown I love the ocean. I can't imagine living in a landlocked state like Ohio- where I grew up- after having been so close to the waves for so long. I will need to be near the ocean for the rest of my life. It has be... Discover Why Doctors Think Seaweed Can Help Cure Cancer! by William Seo Aug 07, 2006 What’s in the SEAWEED that’s helping so many cancer sufferers and attracting scientists world-wide? “CURRENT APPROACHES TO CANCER TREATMENT ARE WRONG! CANCER CELL IS NOT A THREAT TO US IF WE CAN CAUSE IT TO COMMIT SUICIDE JUST LIKE ANY NORMA... Total Ocean Nutrition Good Things from the Sea by Robert Bard Mar 08, 2006 As you know, my goal is to help you educate yourself so you can begin to live the healthy life you deserve. This is the first in a 3 part series concerning the health benefits of receiving the nutrients our bodies need with supplements from the sea. ...