The United States is located between two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. While both oceans are important to the country’s economy and culture, this article will focus on the Atlantic Ocean and its location to the east of the United States.
The East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States encompasses a stretch of more than 2,000 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, from Maine in the north to Florida in the south. This region is home to some of the country’s largest cities, including New York, Boston, and Miami, and is a hub of commerce, tourism, and culture.
The Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean in the world, covering approximately 20% of the Earth’s surface. It is bordered by North and South America to the west, Europe and Africa to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south.
The Location of the Atlantic Ocean
As previously mentioned, the Atlantic Ocean is located to the east of the United States. It stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, and from the Americas in the west to Europe and Africa in the east.
The Boundaries of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is bordered by several continents, including North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. It is also connected to other bodies of water, such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Arctic Ocean, and the Southern Ocean.
The Size of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean covers an area of approximately 41 million square miles, making it the second-largest ocean in the world. It has an average depth of around 12,000 feet and its deepest point, the Puerto Rico Trench, is over 28,000 feet deep.
The Features of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is home to several notable features, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a submarine mountain range that stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the Southern Ocean. It also contains the Sargasso Sea, a region of the ocean that is bounded by ocean currents and is known for its unique ecosystem.
The Importance of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is a crucial component of global trade, with shipping routes connecting North America, Europe, Africa, and South America. It is also an important source of food, with many species of fish and other seafood being harvested from its waters.
The Wildlife of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is home to a diverse array of marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and invertebrates. Many of these species are threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
The Human Impact on the Atlantic Ocean
Human activities have had a significant impact on the health of the Atlantic Ocean. Pollution from land-based sources, overfishing, and climate change are all contributing to the decline of marine ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Ocean is a vast and complex body of water that plays an important role in global trade, food production, and the health of our planet. As such, it is essential that we take steps to protect and preserve this vital resource for future generations.
Further Reading
- NOAA’s Atlantic Ocean Portal: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/atlantic.html
- National Geographic’s Atlantic Ocean Overview:
