The Atlantic Ocean is the world’s second largest ocean, covering about 106.4 million km² (41.1 million sq mi) — roughly 20% of Earth’s surface. Its name comes from Atlas, the Ancient Greek titan of the sea.
Geologic History
The Atlantic Ocean formed during the Cretaceous period (about 135 million years ago).
It resulted from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, when the Americas drifted west from Africa and Eurasia.
Evidence of this process is seen in how South America’s east coast matches the shape of Africa’s west coast, supporting the theory of continental drift.
The ocean is still expanding due to seafloor spreading along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, while the Pacific Ocean is shrinking as its seafloor subducts into the mantle.
Geography
Boundaries:
West: North and South America
North: Connects to the Arctic Ocean via the Denmark Strait, Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea
East: Links to the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar
Southwest: Connects to the Pacific Ocean through the Drake Passage
South: Joins the Indian Ocean near the 20th meridian east
Artificial Link: Connected to the Pacific via the Panama Canal
Size & Depth:
Area: 106.4 million km² (including bordering seas)
Volume: 354.7 million km³
Average depth: 3,339 m (10,955 ft)
Deepest point: Milwaukee Deep (near Puerto Rico) at 8,380 m (27,490 ft)
Notable Wreck: The RMS Titanic lies at the bottom of the North Atlantic.
Ocean Currents: The Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream is one of the Atlantic’s most important currents.
It begins in the Caribbean Sea, carrying warm water northwards across the Atlantic.
This current warms northwestern Europe (France, the UK, Iceland, Norway), making winters milder than in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia (Canada), which are at similar latitudes.
In the South Atlantic, currents exist but have less climatic impact on South Africa due to the ocean’s shape.
Geology of the Seabed
The most significant feature is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge — a massive underwater mountain chain.
It runs north to south, stretching from Iceland down to about 58° south latitude.
This ridge marks the boundary of four tectonic plates: Eurasian, North American, South American, and African.
Salinity
Surface water salinity ranges from 33 to 37 parts per thousand.
Salinity changes with latitude and season, influenced by rainfall, evaporation, and river inflows.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is not only vast but also dynamic, constantly reshaping due to geological processes. Its currents, especially the Gulf Stream, play a major role in regulating global climate. From its ancient origin in the breakup of Pangaea to its critical importance in trade, climate, and history today, the Atlantic continues to shape both the natural world and human civilization.
