The terms “sea” and “ocean” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different geographic and scientific features:
Size
• Ocean: Oceans are much larger and deeper than seas. They are vast bodies of saltwater that cover about 71% of Earth’s surface.
• Sea: Seas are smaller and are often partially enclosed by land, such as the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean Sea.Connection to Land
• Ocean: Oceans are not bordered by land and are continuous, making up one global ocean divided into five main regions (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic).
• Sea: Seas are typically located where the ocean meets the land and are often connected to an ocean.Depth
• Ocean: Oceans are generally deeper than seas, with some areas, like the Mariana Trench, reaching extreme depths.
• Sea: Seas are shallower compared to oceans.Biodiversity and Ecosystem
• Ocean: Oceans host diverse ecosystems, including open ocean and deep-sea habitats.
• Sea: Seas often have more concentrated biodiversity due to their proximity to coastlines and shallower depths.Examples
• Oceans: Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean.
• Seas: Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea.
In summary, oceans are larger, deeper, and open, while seas are smaller, shallower, and often partially enclosed by land.
