Ocean and sea are both vast bodies of saltwater that cover a significant portion of the Earth’s surface. While they share similarities, there are two key differences that set them apart.
1. Size and Depth.
One major difference between oceans and seas lies in their size and depth. Oceans are much larger and deeper than seas. Oceans, such as the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Ocean, are the largest bodies of water on Earth and are interconnected. They cover approximately 71% of the planet’s surface and have an average depth of around 12,080 feet (3,682 meters).
Seas, on the other hand, are partially enclosed by land and are usually smaller in size compared to oceans. Examples include the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, and Red Sea. Seas are shallower than oceans, with depths varying from a few hundred to a few thousand feet.
2. Salinity and Ecosystems.
Another difference between oceans and seas is their salinity and the diversity of ecosystems they support. Oceans generally have a higher salinity compared to seas. The salinity of oceans is influenced by factors like evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater inflow from rivers.
Oceans have a more stable salinity level due to their vastness and limited exchange with other bodies of water. In contrast, seas can have varying salinity levels as they are often more influenced by freshwater inputs and are partially enclosed by land. As a result, seas may have more diverse ecosystems and support a wider range of marine life due to the mixing of different water types and nutrient availability….S££ MOR£