The United States is a large country that stretches from coast to coast, with borders that touch both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But what about the other two great oceans of the world? Does the US border the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean? In this article, we will explore the question of what oceans the US borders and provide some interesting facts about each one.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The United States is a large country that stretches from coast to coast, with borders that touch both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But what about the other two great oceans of the world? Does the US border the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean? In this article, we will explore the question of what oceans the US borders and provide some interesting facts about each one.
What are the Four Oceans of the World?
Before we dive into the specific question of which oceans the US borders, let's first review the four oceans of the world. These are:
1. Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 63.8 million square miles. It borders the western coast of North and South America, as well as Asia and Australia.
2. Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 41.1 million square miles. It borders the eastern coast of North and South America, as well as Europe and Africa.
3. Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 28.4 million square miles. It borders the eastern coast of Africa, as well as Asia and Australia.
4. Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the smallest and youngest of the four oceans. It surrounds Antarctica and extends to 60 degrees south latitude.
Which Oceans Does the US Border?
Now that we have reviewed the four oceans of the world, let's answer the question at hand: which oceans does the US border?
First, the United States borders the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of the country. This includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Second, the United States also borders the Pacific Ocean along the western coast of the country. This includes the states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.
So, to answer the original question, the US does not directly border the Arctic Ocean or the Southern Ocean. However, the state of Alaska does have a coastline along the Arctic Ocean, and the US has a presence in Antarctica through the McMurdo Station research facility.
Interesting Facts About the Oceans the US Borders
Now that we've answered the question of which oceans the US borders, let's explore some interesting facts about each one:
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is home to the Bermuda Triangle, a region where numerous planes and ships have mysteriously disappeared.
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world.
Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's oceans, with an average depth of only 3,407 feet.
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean has the strongest ocean currents in the world, including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Question and Answer
Q: Does the US border the Southern Ocean?
A: No, the US does not directly border the Southern Ocean. However, the US has a presence in Antarctica through the McMurdo Station research facility.
Q: Which US states border the Atlantic Ocean?
A: The states that border the Atlantic Ocean are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Q: What is the largest ocean in the world?
A: The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, covering an area of approximately 63.8 million square miles.
Q: What is the smallest and youngest of the four oceans?
A: The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the smallest and youngest of the four oceans.
Q: What is the Great Barrier Reef?
A: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and is located in the Pacific Ocean.
Q: What is the Bermuda Triangle?
A: The Bermuda Triangle is a region in the Atlantic Ocean where numerous planes and ships have mysteriously disappeared.
Q: What is the average depth of the Arctic Ocean?
A: The average depth of the Arctic Ocean is only 3,407 feet, making it the smallest and shallowest of the world's oceans.
Q: What are the strongest ocean currents in the world?
A: The strongest ocean currents in the world are found in the Southern Ocean, including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
