Country Profile: Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean, the largest of the world's five ocean basins, is a critical body of water bordered by Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It spans an expansive area, covering approximately 28% of the Earth's surface and playing a vital role in global weather patterns and maritime trade. The ocean is home to a diverse array of ecosystems and significant natural resources, while its governance involves multiple countries and international bodies due to its strategic importance. However, the Pacific also faces considerable environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change.
Geography
The Pacific Ocean is situated between the Southern Ocean to the south, Asia to the northwest, Australia to the southwest, and the Western Hemisphere to the east. It is the deepest ocean basin, with an average depth of 4,000 meters, and it covers an area of 168.723 million square kilometers, making it about 15 times the size of the United States. The ocean is characterized by its vast coastline of 135,663 kilometers and a wealth of geographical features including islands, trenches, and ridges.
- 135,663 km of coastline
- -10,924 m as the lowest point at Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench
- 669.88 million cu km volume, accounting for 50.1% of the world's ocean total volume
- Major currents include the North Pacific Gyre and South Pacific Gyre
- Contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes within the "Ring of Fire"
Economy
(No economic data provided in the raw data)
Government
The Pacific Ocean's name stems from the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who referred to it as "Mar Pacifico," meaning "peaceful sea," during his voyage in 1520, influenced by the calm conditions he encountered. There is no singular governance structure for the Pacific Ocean, as it encompasses waters claimed by multiple countries with varying claims and jurisdictions.
- Named by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520
Military and Security
(No military and security data provided in the raw data)
Environment
The Pacific Ocean faces several environmental issues, including pollution from agricultural runoff, plastic waste, and oil spills, which threaten marine biodiversity. Significant marine species like the dugong, sea lions, and various turtles are endangered due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Additionally, climate change leads to ocean acidification and rising sea levels, posing serious risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.
- Produces 58.1% of the global marine capture as of 2020
- Major fishing regions include the Northwest Pacific, producing 19,150,000 mt
- The Western Central Pacific accounts for 16.8% of global catch, primarily tuna
- 75% of the world’s earthquakes occur in the Pacific "Ring of Fire"
- Tropical cyclones (typhoons) can affect regions from May to December
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 168.723 million sq km | Total area of the Pacific Ocean |
| Coastline | 135,663 km | Total length of Pacific Ocean coastline |
| Volume | 669.88 million cu km | Total volume of the Pacific Ocean |
| Lowest Point | -10,924 m | Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench |
| Average Depth | -4,080 m | Average depth of the Pacific Ocean |
| Marine Capture (2020) | 45,800,000 mt | Total marine capture in the Pacific Ocean |
| Environmental Issues | Multiple | Including pollution and overfishing |
| Major Currents | Several | Includes North Pacific Gyre and South Pacific Gyre |
| Fishing Regions | 6 | Notable regions include Northwest and Western Central |
| Endangered Species | Multiple | Including dugongs, seals, and turtles |
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