Earth's Bodies of Water and Oceans

Earth's Bodies of Water

• Earth is 71% water, with oceans holding ~96% of this water.
• Various types of water bodies exist, including seas, gulfs, bays, lakes, rivers, and streams.
• Seas are partially land-locked areas of the ocean.
• Gulfs are sea or water bodies mostly surrounded by land, connecting to an ocean or another sea.
• Lakes are smaller, landlocked freshwater bodies.
• Rivers are elongated bodies of flowing water.
• Oceans and seas contain saltwater, while lakes and rivers typically contain freshwater.

Oceans of the World

• There are five major oceans: Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern.
• Oceans are vast water expanses between continents with varying characteristics.
• Ocean temperatures differ geographically (warmer near the equator).
• Ocean density depends on factors like temperature and salt content.
• Ocean depths vary, with the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench being the deepest (Challenger Deep, over 36,000 feet). The average ocean depth is ~12,100 feet.

Seas of the World

• Seas are large salt water bodies, smaller than oceans, near landmasses.
• Seas are parts of oceans, often partially enclosed by land.
• Examples of prominent seas: Mediterranean, Black, South China, Caribbean, Bering.
• Seas can vary in size, salinity, and temperatures.
• The Philippine and Coral Seas are among the biggest.
• The Black Sea (~34% salinity) is significantly saltier than typical oceans (~7% salinity).

Gulfs of the World

• Gulfs are deep, mainly land-locked inlets of the ocean or sea.
• They typically have narrow entrances.
• Examples of gulfs include the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Tonkin.
• Gulfs connect land masses to oceans or seas.
• Gulfs are often distinguished from seas based on their more enclosed nature and narrow mouths.
• There are numerous gulfs globally. The text specifies many, including those near continents.
• A gulf is significantly different from a bay, as the gulf is more enclosed.

Gulf vs. Ocean, Sea, and Bay

• Gulfs are smaller than oceans and are deep inlets of the ocean or sea.
• Gulfs are also frequently distinguished from seas, often being more enclosed bodies of water.
• Gulfs are distinct types of water bodies differentiated from bays in their significantly more enclosed nature.