The Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is a huge body of salty water. It covers about one fifth of the Earth. It lies between North and South America on one side, and Europe and Africa on the other side. People have sailed across it for a very long time. It is full of amazing sea life and has a very long history.

Where Is the Atlantic Ocean?

The Atlantic Ocean stretches from the cold Arctic in the north all the way down to Antarctica in the south. It has two parts called the North Atlantic and the South Atlantic. The equator is the line that splits them. The ocean touches many countries. Big rivers, like the Amazon and the Mississippi, flow into it.

An old map of Africa from more than 300 years ago.
An old map of Africa from more than 300 years ago. (Daniel de Lafeuille / Wikimedia Commons)

Life in the Ocean

Many animals live in the Atlantic Ocean. You can find whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. There are also tiny fish and colorful crabs. Coral reefs grow in the warm parts near the equator. Seabirds fly above the waves looking for food. The ocean is a busy home for millions of living things.

Fun Facts

  • The Atlantic Ocean is about half the size of the Pacific Ocean.
  • It is home to the Bermuda Triangle, a famous mystery area.
  • The deepest spot in the Atlantic is called the Milwaukee Deep and is over 8,000 meters down.

Did You Know?

The name Atlantic comes from an old Greek story about a giant named Atlas who held up the sky.