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The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world, overshadowed only by the Pacific, yet larger than the Indian Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is comprised of the North and South Atlantic and its body separates the USA from the UK and South America from Africa. The total area of the Atlantic measures 76.762 million sq km and also includes the Denmark Straight, the Gulf of Mexico, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Caribbean, Norwegian and Mediterranean Seas. Icebergs cover large areas of the North Atlantic and indeed it was within this ocean that the Titanic sunk on its maiden voyage. Another major maritime hazard is persistent fog which occurs from May to September. Tropical cyclones develop off the coast of Cape Verde in Africa and swirl westwards into the Caribbean Sea. Hurricanes are present within the Caribbean from May to December. The Atlantic Ocean is the location of some of the world's most heavily frequented sea routes between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Major ports include Rotterdam, New York, Lisbon and Buenos Aires. Fauna found in the Atlantic include seals, whales, turtles and sea lions. Driftnet fishing is bringing the fish stock of the Atlantic down considerably. Oil pollution is another problem, especially in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. |
