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Fun Facts About the Pacific Ocean

facts about pacific ocean

The Pacific Ocean has been a source of fascination for centuries. Many adventurers have explored this expansive body of water, whether to discover new lands or determine how large it is. To this day, the Pacific Ocean still holds people’s attention. Dive deep into these fun facts and discover why.

Fast and Fun Facts about the Pacific Ocean

Etymology

The Pacific Ocean got its current name from the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He dubbed the ocean Mar Pacífico, which translates to “peaceful sea.” The explorer was inspired by the waters’ calmness and the favourable winds.

Geography

An interesting fact about the Pacific Ocean is that it’s considered the largest and deepest saltwater body on Earth, encompassing one-third of the Earth’s surface. It is followed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, respectively,

  • The Pacific Ocean has a surface area of 165,200,000 km2(63,800,000 sq mi), stretching from the Antarctic to the Arctic, between Asia and Australia, and North and South America.
  • The Pacific Ocean is divided into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean by the Equator.
  • The Pacific Ocean is the world’s deepest ocean, encompassing the Mariana Trench, which has a depth of 10,984 metres (36,037 feet).
  • The Pacific Ocean, at its deepest area, has pressure coming in at a crushing 8,000 psi.

Weird Scientific Facts about the Pacific Ocean

The sheer expanse of the Pacific Ocean has made it a popular subject for scientists and science enthusiasts. The ocean’s vastness and depth have made it one of the world’s most diverse habitats.

Water Characteristics

Ocean Life

The Pacific Ocean is home to several types of marine species, from animals to plant life. Discover the weird and interesting facts about them and their habitats.

Geology

An interesting fact about the Pacific Ocean is that it evolved during the Mesozoic period. This has made it one of the oldest and most diverse bodies of water. In addition, the Pacific has rivers, lakes, volcanoes, and waterfalls underneath the water.

  • The Pacific Ocean is home to the “Ring of Fire,” a sequence of volcanoes that encircle its basin. The activity from these volcanoes contributes to 90 per cent of the Earth’s annual earthquakes.
  • It is shrinking because of the movement of its oceanic plates. According to experts, these plates have moved by 0.5 km2 per year for the last 180 million years. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean is expanding because of the tectonic plates underneath it.
  • It is the source of the world’s toughest typhoons. In the western Pacific, the warmer water creates the ideal conditions for intense and frequent typhoons.
  • It is home to the Great Barrier Reef. This reef, stretching more than 2,300 km (1,429 miles), is a preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site for its multiple habitats.

The Pacific Ocean is home to most of the world’s islands, with the current count at 25,000. These include Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and New Zealand.

Other interesting facts about the Pacific Ocean

Now that you have a better idea of how the Pacific Ocean works, it’s time to look at what’s happening in its waters.

French Polynesia

Environmental Issues

The Pacific Ocean is everyone’s responsibility. Learning more about this massive body of water can help you understand it better and discover how to protect it for future generations.

FAQs about The Pacific Ocean

Do planes fly over the Pacific Ocean?

No - they tend to avoid flying over the water mainly because it’s quicker to travel elsewhere, via the curve, rather than in a straight run.

How many animals live in the Pacific Ocean?

Believe it or not, almost 229,000 known animal species call the Pacific Ocean home!

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

The Pacific Ring of Fire refers to an active band of volcanoes that lines part of the ocean. It’s all called the Circum-Pacific Belt.

Do you know any fun facts about The Pacific Ocean? Share them in the comments below!

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