The Atlantic Ocean is one of the world’s five oceans, with about 106,460,000 square kilometers (41,100,000 square miles). It covers approximately 20% of the Earth’s surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is the second-largest of the world’s oceans, after the Pacific Ocean.
The Ancient Mythology
The name “Atlantic” is derived from Greek mythology, specifically Atlas and his sons, Titan and Prometheus. Titans were giant deities of incredible strength, and Prometheus was a trickster who stole fire from the gods to give to humans.
The Atlantic ocean was known to the ancient Greeks as the “ocean of Atlas.” It was believed to be the body of water that separated the known world from the unknown world. The Atlantic was also home to many sea monsters and mythical creatures.
In ancient mythology, the Atlantic was the realm of Poseidon, the god of the sea. It was also the home of the giant Kraken, a sea monster that was said to be large enough to devour ships. Other mythical creatures that lived in the Atlantic included mermaids, sirens, and dragons.
Location and Composition
The Atlantic Ocean is bounded on the west by North and South America; on the north by the Arctic Ocean; on the east by Europe and Africa; and on the south by the Southern Ocean.
The Atlantic has an average depth of 3,930 metres (12,870 feet) and a maximum depth of 7,725 metres (25,230 feet) at the Puerto Rico Trench.
The Ocean is divided into two basins, the western North Atlantic and the eastern South Atlantic. The North Atlantic is further subdivided into the Labrador Sea, the Greenland Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the North Atlantic proper.
The Islands
The Atlantic Ocean is home to many islands, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands, the Azores, the Falkland Islands, and the Madeira Islands.
The Animals
The Atlantic is also home to many large animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles.
Shipping and Trading
The Atlantic is also an important route for shipping and trade. Ships use it to transport goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Climate Impact
The Atlantic Ocean is a very important part of the Earth’s climate and weather. It helps regulate the Earth’s temperature by absorbing heat in the summer and releasing it in the winter.
The Atlantic is also one of the most beautiful oceans in the world. It is filled with various colors, from the deep blue of the open ocean to the bright turquoise of the shallows.
