The Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth, stretching roughly 3,300 miles from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south. It separates the continents of North and South America from Europe and Africa. This vast body of saltwater plays a crucial role in Earth’s climate, weather patterns, and marine life. It features important shipping routes, diverse ecosystems, and dynamic currents like the Gulf Stream that influence global temperatures. Covering about 20% of the Earth's surface, the Atlantic is essential for global trade, environmental balance, and natural resources.