Oceans May 2026

Oceans cover roughly 71% of Earth's surface and hold about 97% of the planet's total water. This massive, interconnected body of salt water is the primary life support system for our planet, providing approximately half of the world's oxygen and absorbing over 25% of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions. The Five Major Oceans

The ocean is structured into vertical zones defined by depth and light penetration: Ocean habitat | National Geographic Kids

: Bordered by Africa, Asia, and Australia, it is a key region for marine biodiversity. Oceans

: Surrounding Antarctica, it is the newest named ocean and known for its cold, harsh environment.

While often discussed as a single global system, geographers divide the ocean into five distinct basins based on size and location: Oceans cover roughly 71% of Earth's surface and

: The largest and deepest, covering more area than all Earth's landmasses combined.

: The second largest, stretching between the Americas and Europe/Africa. : Surrounding Antarctica, it is the newest named

: The smallest and shallowest, located around the North Pole. Layers of the Deep