Atlantic Ocean

Definition

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth, covering about 20% of the planet's surface. It separates the continents of North America and South America from Europe and Africa, playing a crucial role in global weather patterns, trade routes, and oceanic biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Atlantic Ocean was historically significant for exploration and trade, acting as a key route for European explorers and later for transatlantic trade.
2. The Atlantic is home to various unique ecosystems, including coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, and diverse marine life, which contribute to its rich biodiversity.
3. Major ports like New York, London, and Rotterdam are located along the Atlantic coastline, making it vital for international shipping and economic activities.
4. The ocean plays a significant role in regulating Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and heat from the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns globally.
5. The Atlantic is also known for its deep-sea features like the Puerto Rico Trench, which is one of the deepest parts of the ocean.

Review Questions

• What role does the Atlantic Ocean play in global climate regulation and how does it impact weather patterns?
  • The Atlantic Ocean significantly influences global climate regulation by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and heat from the atmosphere. This absorption helps moderate temperatures and plays a crucial role in ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream. These currents transport warm water across the ocean, impacting weather patterns not only in North America and Europe but also around the world.
• Evaluate the importance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in terms of geological activity and its effect on marine ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is essential for geological activity as it is a site where tectonic plates diverge, leading to seafloor spreading. This process creates new oceanic crust and contributes to underwater volcanic activity. These geological features provide habitats for unique marine ecosystems, including hydrothermal vents that support diverse life forms dependent on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
• Analyze how historical exploration of the Atlantic Ocean has shaped economic relationships between continents over time.
  • The historical exploration of the Atlantic Ocean established significant economic relationships between continents through trade routes and colonial expansion. The ocean facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This not only led to economic prosperity for some nations but also to exploitation and significant social changes in others. The consequences of this exploration continue to influence modern economic ties and geopolitical relationships among these regions.

Related terms

Mid-Atlantic Ridge:

An underwater mountain range that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, formed by tectonic plate movements and is a key site of seafloor spreading.

Gulf Stream: A powerful warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean that influences climate and weather patterns along the eastern coast of North America and across the Atlantic to Europe.

Sargasso Sea: A unique region within the Atlantic Ocean characterized by its distinctive deep blue water and floating seaweed, known as Sargassum, providing a habitat for various marine species.