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Pacific Ocean

Ocean

About

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world's five major oceans, covering about 30% of the Earth's surface. It is surrounded by the continents of Asia, North America, South America, and Australia. The Pacific is known for its diverse marine biodiversity, hosting a wide range of marine life, including whales, sea turtles, and coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef, located in Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. The Pacific's climate is primarily tropical and subtropical, with significant temperature variations from equatorial to polar regions. The Pacific Ocean also faces environmental challenges, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a large accumulation of plastic debris in the North Pacific. This pollution affects marine life by causing entanglement and ingestion of plastic. Despite these issues, the Pacific remains a vital component of Earth's ecosystem, supporting a rich array of marine species and playing a crucial role in global climate patterns. Its geology is marked by the Ring of Fire, a zone of intense volcanic and seismic activity. The Pacific's immense size and depth, including the Mariana Trench, make it a fascinating subject for scientific exploration.