The Pacific Ocean spans over 63 million square miles, larger than the total landmass of all continents. It is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering more than one-third of the planet’s surface. Stretching from the Americas to Asia and Australia, the Pacific is home to thousands of islands, including Hawaii, Fiji, and the Philippines.
Because of its vast size, the Pacific plays a major role in Earth’s climate. It influences weather patterns, including El Niño and La Niña, which affect rainfall, temperatures, and even hurricanes around the world. The ocean also absorbs a large amount of the Sun’s heat, helping regulate global temperatures.
The Pacific is also the deepest ocean, with the Mariana Trench reaching a depth of nearly 36,000 feet (11,000 meters). That’s deep enough to fit Mount Everest inside with room to spare! Despite its extreme depths, scientists continue to explore its underwater ecosystems, discovering new species and geological formations.
