Deepest Oceans in the World: 3 Deep Seas on Earth 

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Do you know that Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth’s surface? They are extremely deep and hold mysteries that have fascinated people for centuries. Starting from the crushing pressures of the Mariana Trench to the icy Southern Ocean, these underwater worlds are diverse and profound. In this blog, we have covered details about some of the deepest oceans in the world. Read about these Oceans and let us know which fact surprised you the most.

What are the 3 Deepest Oceans in the World?

There are five oceans in the world. That is the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Antarctic Ocean. Out of these oceans, the deepest ones are listed below-

1. Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean- Deepest Oceans in the world
Credit: Pexels 

The Pacific Ocean is not only the largest ocean in the world, it is also the deepest. This means it ranks number one in the list of the deepest oceans in the world. The average depth of the ocean is around 4000 meters (13,000 feet). The Mariana Trench is about 11,034 meters (36,201 feet deep. This also means it is the deepest point on Earth! The Pacific Ocean covers 1/3rd of the surface of the Earth and consists of volcanoes and trenches. It also has a ring of fire.

2. Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean Deepest Oceans in the World
Credit: Earth.com

The Atlantic Ocean is one of the deepest oceans in the world. This Ocean has a depth of about 3,646 meters (11,962 feet). The deepest point of the ocean is the Puerto Rico Trench, This point reaches about 8,376 meters (27,480 feet) below sea level. The Atlantic’s Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range, shapes its terrain. The Atlantic Ocean is what connects the Americas to Africa and Europe, It has diverse marine life as well.

3. Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean Deepest Oceans in the world
Credit: iStock

The Indian Ocean is one of the deepest oceans in the world. It is the 3rd deepest, and is water is about 3,741 meters (12,274 feet) deep. The Java Trench (also called the Sunda Trench) in the Indian Ocean extends to 7,290 meters (23,920 feet). The Indian Ocean is known for supporting coral reefs and other unique species. It has warm waters, and it plays an important role in the global climate.

Where Are the Deepest Parts of the Ocean?

The Deepest parts of the Ocean are actually in the underwater trenches created by tectonic plate collisions.  For example, the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench holds the record as the deepest point. However, other trenches like the Philippine Trench and the Tonga Trench also go beyond 10,000 meters below the surface. These high-pressure, dark zones are a part of the Hadal Zone, a layer deeper than 6,000 meters.

Is the Indian Ocean the Deepest?

The Indian Ocean is one of the deepest oceans in the world. However, it is not the deepest. The deepest Ocean is the Pacific Ocean. The Indian Ocean’s Java Trench reaches 7,290 meters. However, comparatively, the Pacific Ocean’s  Mariana Trench is about 11,034 meters deep. The Puerto Rico Trench is 8,376 meters deep. This makes the Indian Ocean the 3rd deepest Ocean on Earth.

Which is Deeper: The Mariana Trench or the Dead Sea?

There is no doubt that the Mariana Trench is the deepest point on Earth. The Mariana Trench is about 11,034 meters deep!  Moreover, it holds the record as the deepest point on Earth. The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Israel and Jordan. The lake only has a depth of 304 meters (997 feet). The Dead Sea is popular for its hypersaline water. However, it cannot be compared to the Pacific Ocean’s depth.

Which is Deeper: The Mariana Trench or the Dead Sea?
Credit: whatifshow.com

Where is the Mariana Trench Located?

The Mariana Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean. That is, it is situated in the east of the Mariana Islands near Guam. It is a crescent-shaped trench that stretches about 1,580 miles. Moreover, it creates the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the smaller Mariana Plate. The deepest point of the Mariana Trench is called the Challenger Deep and is named after the HMS Challenger expedition (1875). 

What is the World’s Largest Ocean?

The world’s largest Ocean is called the Pacific Ocean. This Ocean is 165 million square kilometers (63.8 million square miles). It goes from the Arctic to the Southern Ocean and borders Australia, Asia, and the Americas. The Pacific Ocean is named the Pacific because it is considered a peaceful sea. Explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave the sea its name. The deepest parts of the Ocean are located in the Mariana Trench.

What is the Coldest Ocean?

The coldest ocean in the world is the Southern Ocean. This Ocean encircles Antarctica and is one of the coldest. The temperature in this Ocean can drop below -2°C (28°F). Therefore,  the sea ice covers most of the surface throughout the year. Did you know the Southern Ocean was not recognized as an Ocean till 2000? It was recognized as an Ocean when it was found that its frigid waters and strong currents play an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate.

What is the Deepest Place on Earth?

The deepest place on Earth is the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep. The Pacific Ocean is number 1 on the list of the deepest oceans in the world. It’s Mariana Trench is about 11,034 meters deep.  This means if you were to place Mount Everest there, its peak would still be over 2 kilometers underwater. It’s so deep that only a handful of expeditions could take place. 

What is the Deepest Point on Earth?

As stated before, the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep is the deepest point on Earth. It was discovered by HMS Challenger II in 1951. Moreover, its pressure exceeds about 1,000 atmospheres. This means even submarines will be crushed under its pressure. This area is home to extremophiles, microorganisms that can survive in this pressure in total darkness.

Has Anyone Found the Deepest Parts of the Ocean?

Jacques Piccard, a Swiss engineer, and Don Walsh, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, have explored the Challenger Deep in the Trieste submersible. In 2012, James Cameron repeated the scene solo in the Deepsea Challenger. Apart from that, robots like the DSV Limiting Factor have also gone into the trench.

To learn about the James Cameron Aquatic Dive to Mariana Trench, watch this video:

Credit: @zissousocietycorp

Also Read:

FAQs about the Deepest Parts of the Ocean

Q1. What is the deepest of the 5 oceans?

The deepest of the 5 oceans is the Pacific Ocean. Its Mariana Trench is about 11,033 meters deep. It is considered the deepest point on Earth. 

Q2. Which is the smallest ocean in the world?

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest Ocean in the world. It covers about 14 million square kilometers. It is also the coldest and shallowest ocean.

Q3. Why can’t humans go to the Mariana Trench?

Humans go to the Mariana Trench because, at the bottom, the pressure exceeds about 1000 atmospheres. This is enough to crush the best submarines.

Q4. Have we touched the bottom of the Mariana Trench?

Yes. Humans have reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench. James Cameron, the filmmaker (2012, and Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard in 1960 have gone to the Challenger Deep.

Q5. What is the mystery of the Mariana Trench?

What makes Mariana Trech mysterious is the unusual sounds you hear. Scientists at first thought this was from whales but were proved wrong. Besides this, the unusual life and the extreme conditions like the water pressure being 1000 times more than the sea level make it mysterious.

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These were the facts about the deepest oceans in the world. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting facts, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.

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