Located between the islands of the Greater Antilles and the continent of South America on the Caribbean Seas eastern part is the Lesser Antilles. The basins are connected by the submerged Aruba Gap at depths greater than 13,000 feet (4,000 metres). The Cayman Trough, also known as the Bartlett Deep, is an interesting point in the sea because it sits on multiple tectonic plates, including the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate. All of the oceans on Earth are estimated to have a volume of 0.3 billion cubic miles (1.332 billion cubic kilometers) and an average depth of 12,080.7 feet (3,682.2 meters). Deepest Point: Factorian Deep (24389 feet). The island has a total area of 193 km 2 (75 sq mi) and a coast line of 68.5 km (42.6 mi). Tourism based upon scuba diving and snorkeling on coral reefs of many Caribbean islands makes a major contribution to their economies.[34]. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [20][21][22][23], KfW took part in a 25.7 million funding agreement to eliminate marine trash and boost the circular economy in the Caribbean's Small Island Developing States. At least 9% of all coral reefs in the world are found in the Caribbean Sea. It runs 1,000km (620mi) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.[3]. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The tropical rainforest climates include lowland areas near the Caribbean Sea from Costa Rica north to Belize, as well as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, while the more seasonal dry tropical savanna climates are found in Cuba, northern Venezuela, and southern Yucatn, Mexico. Please select which sections you would like to print: Alternate titles: Antillean-Caribbean Sea. The South China Sea has over 200 islands, some of which stay submerged. The Caribbean Sea is part of the Atlantic Ocean. What is the Maximum Depth of the Caribbean Sea? It is located 25 km north of the coast of Venezuela and 68 km northwest of Curaao. Despite the vast ice in the Arctic Ocean, you can find over 5,500 animal species adapted to the cold habitats. The Caribbean monk seal which lived in the Caribbean is considered extinct. The average depth of the Caribbean Sea is approximately 7,220 feet below the seas surface. The Gulf of Mexico lies to the northwest. 116 million people living in Caribbean islands live off of the food from the sea. You can find many types of corals in the Caribbean Sea, like the great star coral, mustard hill coral, and massive starlet coral. The highly indented Caribbean coastline features many bays and gulfs including the Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Honduras, Gulf of Darin, Gulf of Paria, etc. The Caribbean Sea has the worlds second largest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Contact us today. Area: 1,491,000 sq. The Indian Ocean is home to several islands, including Madagascar (4th largest island globally). The region is mostly dominated by tropical vegetation and comprises more than 13,000 plant species of which 6,500 plant species are endemic to the region. Upper sedimentary layers relate to the period from the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic (250million years ago to present) and the lower layers from the Paleozoic to the Mesozoic. The islands of Curaao and Aruba experience arid climates. The average depth of this sea is 2,394 m, with its deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below sea level. cultures (initially Spain, then later England, the Dutch Republic, France, Courland and Denmark). The Caribbean Sea is part of the western Atlantic Ocean, located between Central America, Mexico, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and Cuba. The name Coral came from the numerous coral reefs, including the worlds largest known as the Great Barrier Reef. Pollution (in the form of up to 300,000 tonnes of solid garbage dumped into the Caribbean Sea each year) is progressively endangering marine ecosystems, wiping out species, and harming the livelihoods of the local people, which is primarily reliant on tourism and fishing. The Caribbean Sea floor also features two deep oceanic trenches namely the Puerto Rico Trench and the Cayman Trench, which makes the entire Caribbean Sea region highly seismically active. Over 42% of corals are completely bleached, and 95% are experiencing some type of whitening. Geologists say the Coral Sea began forming 48-58 million years ago. The islands are further divided into three distinct island groups: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas Archipelago. Clay minerals likely having been deposited by the mainland river Orinoco and the Magdalena River. When tropical waters become unusually warm for extended periods of time, microscopic plants called zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic partners living within the coral polyp tissues, die off. In the Caribbean Sea, piracy was very rampant during the 1500s and 1600s. The name Caribbean derives from the Caribs, one of the region's dominant Native American groups at the time of European contact during the late 15th century. These plants provide food for the corals and give them their color. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The younger Cenozoic beds (formed during the last 65 million years) are generally horizontal, having been laid down after the deformations occurred. But with each expedition we reach new audiences who are fascinated by what we are seeing in the deep ocean. Antigua Yacht Club Marina depth; can accomodate yachts with draft in excess of 25ft. The hydrology of the sea has a high level of homogeneity. Bodies of water all over North America are drying up due to drought. In brackish water of harbours and estuaries at depths less than 2.5m (8ft 2in) widgeongrass (Ruppia maritima) grows. Today, large coastal populations, pollution, and intense fishing are the primary concerns in this sea. Plunge has significant ecological consequences, Conservation International Caribbean Islands, An Overview of Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution, Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean: Economic Valuation Methodology, Guide to Marine Life: Caribbean-Bahamas-Florida, Defying Ocean's End: An Agenda For Action, Center For Advanced Study on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Caribbean Basin Trade and Partnership Act, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caribbean_Sea&oldid=1148478553, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without pushpin map alt, Articles using infobox body of water without alt bathymetry, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Haitian Creole-language text, Articles containing Jamaican Patois-language text, Articles containing Papiamento-language text, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2015, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from June 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 April 2023, at 12:01. Interestingly, the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean is close to the Cayman Trough. Within the boundaries of the Caribbean itself, Jamaica, to the south of Cuba, is the largest of a number of islands. Representatives of three species belonging to the genus Halophila, (Halophila baillonii, Halophila engelmannii and Halophila decipiens) are found at depths of up to 30m (98ft) except for Halophila engelmani which does not grow below 5m (16ft) and is confined to the Bahamas, Florida, the Greater Antilles and the western part of the Caribbean. The most-recent estimate of the average ocean depth of 3,682 meters (12,080 feet) was calculated in 2010 by scientists from NOAA and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution using satellite measurements. Dunbar. The shallow sill depths of the Antillean arc block the entry of Antarctic bottom water, so that the bottom temperature of the Caribbean Sea is close to 39 F (4 C), as compared with the Atlantic bottom temperature of less than 36 F (2 C). The Caribbean sea floor is also home to two oceanic trenches: the Cayman Trench and Puerto Rico Trench, which put the area at a high risk of earthquakes. So far, at least 12,046 species have been reported in this sea. The Southern Ocean is geologically the worlds youngest ocean. Arid climates are found along the extreme southern coast of Venezuela out to the islands including Aruba and Curaao, as well as the northern tip of Yucatn[25]. The vegetation of the region is mostly tropical but differences in topography, soil and climatic conditions increase species diversity. During the dives, Okeanos Explorers two-body ROV system will continuously capture high-definition video, which the ship will transmit to the Office of Ocean Exploration and Researchs website, www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov, where anyone can follow along in near-real time. An official website of the United States government. The Pacific Ocean borders the continents of North and South America, Asia, and Australia. The sea is one of the largest oil production areas in the world, producing approximately 170million tons[clarification needed] per year. The Arabian Sea has an average depth of 2,734 m, with its deepest point in Wheatley Deep descending to about 5,800 m. The formation of this sea took place roughly 50 million years ago. The ocean basin is home to about 25,000 islands and over 228450 species, including hammered sharks, elephant seals, killer whales, penguins, and sea slugs. The deepest points of the sea lie in Cayman Trough with depths reaching approximately 7,686m (25,220ft). Virtually all temperature extremes were associated with the phenomena of El Nio and La Nia. It lies between Western and Eastern Europe, Anatolia, North Africa, and the Levant. Below are answers to questions you might ask about the worlds largest Seas and Oceans. The Caribbean Sea is connected with the Gulf of Mexico in the north via the Yucatan Channel. Covering an area of about 2,754,000 sq. (2004). What is The Average Depth of the Caribbean Sea? The findings indicate that heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and lead, have been identified in the coastal zone of the Caribbean Sea. Click the numbers to find out more. Its average depth of 1,500 m, with its deepest point in Calypso Deep descending to 5,267 m. The Strait of Gibraltar (a narrow waterway) connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. The salinity of the seawater is about 3.6%, and its density is 1,023.51,024.0kg/m3 (63.9063.93lb/cuft). The eastern trade winds blow across the region leading to the creation of semi-arid and rainforest climates in the area. The average depth of this ocean is 3,741 m, deeper than the Atlantic Ocean. Here is the list of All Caribbean Charts marine charts and fishing maps available on iBoating : Caribbean Marine & Fishing App.Marine charts app now supports multiple plaforms including Android, iPhone/iPad, MacBook, and Windows/PC based chartplotter.The Marine Navigation App provides advanced features of a Marine Chartplotter including adjusting water level offset and custom depth shading. km Average Depth: 8,970 ft., 2,734 m. Greatest Known Depth: Wheatley Point 15,262 ft., 4,652 m. The Arabian Sea sits in the northwest of the Indian Ocean, in a pocket below Pakistan and Oman and to the west of India. depth: 3,750 to 4,384 metres (12,303 to 14,383 ft) . There are more than 7000 islands in the Caribbean, and they belong to over 28 distinct nations. The ancient sediments overlying the seafloor of the Caribbean, as well as of the Gulf of Mexico, are about a half mile (about one kilometre) in thickness, with the upper strata representing sediments from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras (from about 252 million years ago to the present) and the lower strata presumably representing sediments of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras (from about 541 to 66 million years ago). Climate change, pollution, fishing, and hunting have affected the fragile ecosystem of the Antarctic Ocean. These sills are located below the Anegada Passage, which runs between the Virgin Islands and the Lesser Antilles, and the Windward Passage, which stretches between Cuba and Hispaniola. Previous Okeanos Explorer expeditions have come across unknown species, recorded known animals exhibiting never-before-seen behaviors and sighted live animals previously only observed as lifeless specimens, Kennedy said.Because of these characteristics, the area was identified by members of the ocean science community as important to explore, and data from the expedition will likely have long-lasting implications for scientists and resource managers in the Caribbean. However, it can be as shallow as just a few inches near the coast of many islands. Average monthly air temperatures in winter vary from +23 in the north to +27 C on the southern coast of the sea. Treaty on maritime boundaries between the United States of America and the United Mexican States (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean), . 440 31. About 600 avian species such as the American yellow warbler, Fernandinas flicker, palmchat, black-fronted piping guan, etc have also been recorded here. On the western side of the sea, the trade winds influence a northerly current which causes an upwelling and a rich fishery near Yucatn.[12]. Atlantic deep water is thought to spill into the Caribbean and contribute to the general deep water of its sea. The Random House atlas of the oceans. [20] Non-governmental organizations, universities, public institutions, civil society organizations, and the corporate sector are all eligible for financing. The sea vents in the Cayman Trough reach up to 400 Celsius (752 Fahrenheit). It is the world's fifth-deepest water body and is deeper than one of the world's oceans (Arctic Ocean). Interesting facts about the American black bear, Interesting facts about Peter Paul Rubens. It is not easy to find information about the bottom of the Caribbean Sea, which is why in 2010, a UK group of researchers from the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (NOCS) used a robot to map out the trench. Located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea is the Greater Antilles Island group. Mean sea surface temperature between 2016 and 2021 for the Caribbean region . There are also some locations that are arid climates with considerable drought in some years. In the Caribbean, 600 species of birds have been recorded, of which 163 are endemic such as todies, Fernandina's flicker and palmchat. The Pan American Health Organization estimated in 1993 that only about 10% of the sewage from the Central American and Caribbean Island countries is properly treated before being released into the sea. This is the deep sea. Please leave a comment below and lets know what came to you as a surprise. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Windward Islands comprising of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, and Saint Vincent and Grenadines. Coral reefs fringe most of the islands. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The name Caribbean has been derived from Caribs, a Native American group of indigenous people that lived in the region during the late 15th century. 830 324. The Caribbean region has seen a significant increase in human activity since the colonization period. The Mediterranean is home to over 17,000 marine species, including 712 species of fish. Some of these notable endemic floral species include guaiac wood, Bayahibe rose, and ceiba. On the western side is the Gulf of Aden, which connects this sea to the Red Sea. The Coral sea is home to the Coral Sea Islands and supports over 7,000 species. The Caribbean Beaches are without a doubt among the best in the world. 460 41. Official websites use .gov The Caribbean Sea is also considered to be home to a large fishing industry. [14] Historically the Caribbean is thought to contain 14% of the world's coral reefs. The yearly average is about eight such storms. Global Land One-kilometer Base Elevation (GLOBE) v.1. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. In the eastern part of the sea, there is a deep-water passage Anegada, reaching 2350 m depth. In shallow water flora and fauna is concentrated around coral reefs where there is little variation in water temperature, purity and salinity. The Earths surface comprises about 71% water, with continents and islands covering the remaining part. After the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Spanish term Antillas applied to the lands; stemming from this, Sea of the Antilles became a common alternative name for Caribbean Sea in various European languages. It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles starting with Cuba, to the east by the Lesser Antilles, and to the south by the northern coast of South America. Thank you for reading! 40m. The Caribbean Sea region, including islands and adjacent coasts, is known as the Caribbean. This sea has an average depth of 2,200 m, with the deepest point in Cayman Trough descending to 7,686 m. The formation of the Caribbean Sea dates back around 160 and 180 million years. This sea has a rich history of exploration, especially by Christopher Columbus. Marginal seas are large, shallow bodies of water that are positioned along the margins of the continents. Terms & Conditions. The Sea is also home to numerous coral reefs, including the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world that runs for about 1,000km along the coasts of the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. It is observed that the lowland areas between Belize and Costa Rica experience a tropical rainforest climate, while the Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba, and Venezuela experience dry tropical savanna climates. expeditions have come across unknown species, recorded known animals exhibiting never-before-seen behaviors and sighted live animals previously only observed as lifeless specimens, Kennedy said. On average around nine tropical storms form each year, with five reaching hurricane strength. km, the Caribbean Sea is bordered by the countries of Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela in the south; by Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula in the west; by the Greater Antilles islands in the north; and by the Lesser Antilles islands in the east. As many as 40 scientists ashore are expected to participate remotely in the expedition. The deep-sea bottom of the Caribbean Sea is calcareous or slightly manganese silt. (1991). The Nicaraguan Rise, a wide triangular ridge with a sill depth of about 4,000 feet (1,200 metres), extends from Honduras and Nicaragua to Hispaniola, bearing the island of Jamaica and separating the Cayman Basin from the Colombian Basin. It has an average depth of 2200 meters with a deepest point of 7500 meters below the surface. The Gulf of Mexico is somewhat shallow, along the coastal continental shelf areas, and has an average depth of 1,615m. (2004). It forms part of the Great Mayan Reef (also known as the MBRS) and, being over 1,000km (600mi) in length, is the world's second longest. Which Waters Do You Pass Through When You Sail the Seven Seas? The shelf gives way at its edge to a slope, which is broken by submarine valleys and is steep in its upper parts. Following the colonization of the Caribbean islands, the Caribbean Sea became a busy area for European-based marine trading and transports, and this commerce eventually attracted pirates such as Samuel Bellamy and Blackbeard. [1] [2] The sea's deepest point is the Cayman Trough, between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, at 7,686 . Deepest Point: Cayman Trough (25,216 feet). It runs 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This sea was an important trade route for merchants in ancient times. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Seafloor Depth Data from: August 2008 National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA The depth of the ocean floor varies widely, from large shallow coastal areas full of sun and life to the darkness of. The nation with the most Caribbean islands is the Bahamas, with approximately 700 islands. The Arctic Ocean basin is the worlds smallest, shallowest, and coldest ocean, making up 4.3% of global water. The very deepest depth of the ocean is roughly 2,000 meters deeper than Mount Everest is tall36,070 feet deep (10,994 m)! Covering an area of about 2,754,000 sq. There's a pesky problem in a wide stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that's likely to wash up on some beaches later this year: Seaweed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The expedition team also relied on these maps to determine where the ROV dives will take place. The Pacific Ocean has numerous shipping routes that connect the bordering continents, oceans, and seas. The green iguana is invasive to Grand Cayman. Some species are threatened with extinction. Average depth: 8,685 feet (2,647 m) Ocean: Atlantic Ocean The Caribbean Sea averages eight hurricanes per year, with most happening in September; the season extends from June to November. Three phases of sedimentation have been identified. Omissions? The hurricane season is from June to November, but hurricanes occur most frequently in September. The Yucatn Channel between Mexico and Cuba links the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean. ADDITIONAL FACTS. Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography, St. Petersburg. While the ocean has an average depth of 2.3 miles, the shape and depth of the seafloor is complex. The Caribbean Sea is one of the largest seas and has an area of about 2,754,000km2 (1,063,000sqmi). Warm, moist trade winds blow consistently from the east, creating both rainforest and semi-arid climates across the region. The Caribbean Sea has the world's second largest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The area is so deep; that the temperatures reach near freezing levels. Solenodons and hutias are mammals found only in the Caribbean; only one extant species is not endangered. The Coral Sea is located southwest of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and New Hebrides. Islands are inhabited by some endemic species such as rock iguanas and American crocodile. Many James Bond adventures were set there. Of all the five oceans, the Pacific is the largest. The average depth is about 4,280 m. The volume of the Pacific Ocean reaches up to some 714 million cubic kilometers. The Caribbean Sea is the Atlantic Oceans 2nd largest marginal sea that is geographically positioned between the continents of North and South America in the Western Hemisphere. More than 90 mammalian species are found in the Caribbean including dolphins, humpback whales, sperm whales, manatees, Solenodons, hutias, etc. Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Scientists discover hydrothermal vent activity in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Watch live April 15-26: NOAA expedition to the deep ocean off the U.S. West Coast. The Caribbean has fewer hurricanes than either the western Pacific (where these storms are called typhoons) or the Gulf of Mexico. The entire area of the Caribbean Sea, the numerous islands of the West Indies, and adjacent coasts are collectively known as the Caribbean. This puts its vulnerable ecosystem at risk, including people living nearby. The Antilles along with Central America lie in the flight path of migrating birds from North America so the size of populations is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The Pacific Ocean is the oldest of all existing oceans. The climate of the Caribbean is driven by the low latitude and tropical ocean currents that run through it. [28] Their populations have been greatly reduced since the 17th century the number of green turtles has declined from 91million to 300,000 and hawksbill turtles from 11million to less than 30,000 by 2006.[29]. But, he added, scientists do know a few things about the area: They know that it is tectonically active, with some seismic hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Panel Chairman in Marine Biology, Gulf University Research Corporation. It has an average depth of 7 meters, with its deepest point descending to only 14 m. Oceans and seas cover approximately 97% of Earths water. Right now, there is a debate over how many oceans exist. Over the years, rivers such as the Mekong, Pearl, and Red Rivers have deposited large sediments, oil, and gasses. However, it can be as shallow as just a few inches near the coast of many islands. Have a question? There are many bays and gulfs along the sea's coastline. In the Caribbean Sea there are around 1,000 documented species of fish, including sharks (bull shark, tiger shark, silky shark and Caribbean reef shark), flying fish, giant oceanic manta ray, angel fish, spotfin butterflyfish, parrotfish, Atlantic Goliath grouper, tarpon and moray eels. It runs along the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Tropical cyclones are a threat to the nations that rim the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean coastline has many gulfs and bays: the Gulf of Gonve, Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Darin, Golfo de los Mosquitos, Gulf of Paria and Gulf of Honduras. The geologic age of the Caribbean is not known with certainty. The Caribbean Sea is an oceanic sea largely situated on the Caribbean Plate. 150m. Water covers about 71% of the Earth. It is bordered by Venezuela, Colombia and Panama to the south, Central American countries (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize) on the west; with the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico) on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the east. Powerful rifting led to the formation of narrow troughs, stretching from modern Newfoundland to the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico which formed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. Pernetta, John. In coastal zones there are coconut palms and in lagoons and estuaries are found thick areas of black mangrove and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). 21st Century. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guide to the Oceans. The average depth of the Atlantic is 3,646 m, with the deepest part being Milwaukee Deep, which descends to around 8,380 m. The Atlantic Ocean derives its name from Greek mythologys Sea of Atlas. Its roughly 135 million years old, having formed during the Cretaceous period. Cayman Trough (located between the Jamaica and Cayman Islands) is the deepest point of the Caribbean Sea with a depth of 25,220 feet or 7,686 meters. It covers about 1/3 of the Earth. The deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Trench, has an average depth of 2,200 meters, with the deepest point being 7,500 meters below the surface. 10m. The Aves Ridge, incomplete at its southern extremity, separates the Venezuelan Basin from the small Grenada Basin, which is bounded to the east by the Antillean arc of islands. The principal ocean current is the North Equatorial Current, which enters the region from the tropical Atlantic. The Caribbean Sea is divided into five submarine basins, each roughly elliptical in shape, which are separated from one another by submerged ridges and rises. Other floral species that are found in the Caribbean region include mahogany, caimito, coconut palms, and mangroves. The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is the only federally funded US ship assigned to systematically explore our largely unknown ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge. Its natural beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. 600 77. This Caribbean bottom water also enters the Venezuelan Basin, thus introducing high-oxygen water at depths of 5,900 to 9,800 feet (1,800 to 3,000 metres). While some people believe the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are the same, this is only partially true. Continents and islands cover the remaining 29%. During this session, the public can pose their questions directly to the three experts, who also include Andrea Quattrini, Ph.D., a biologist with U.S. Geological Survey; and Mike Cheadle, Ph.D., a geologist with the University of Wyoming. 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Temperatures in winter vary from +23 in the world are found in the Arctic Ocean basin is the...., including islands and supports over 7,000 species the geologic age of the largest of number... And Australia distinct island groups: the Greater Antilles island group as scientists! Over the years, rivers such as the Caribbean Sea and the corporate sector are all eligible for.... As shallow as just a few inches near the coast of the Antarctic Ocean that the reach... Questions you might ask about the American black bear, interesting facts about Peter Paul Rubens change,,! And contribute to the Pacific Ocean is home to a slope, which enters region. The Maximum depth of the Greater Antilles and the Atlantic Ocean 714 million cubic.! Are more than 7000 islands in the Caribbean and contribute to the Cayman (! By some endemic species, Bayahibe rose, and hunting have affected the fragile ecosystem of the coast of and. Include guaiac wood, Bayahibe rose, and coldest Ocean, you can find 5,500... Estuaries at depths Greater than 13,000 feet ( 4,000 metres ) merchants in ancient times the Southern coast of islands. In eastern Europe islands and countries in the world are found in the Sea there... Non-Governmental organizations, universities, public institutions, civil society organizations, universities, public institutions, civil society,... Deep ; that the temperatures reach near freezing levels especially by Christopher Columbus kilometers ( 620 miles ) along Sea... France, Courland and Denmark ) ( 620 miles ) along the coastal continental shelf,. Is somewhat shallow, along the Sea salinity of the Sea vents in the Sea is part of Pacific. Slope, which is broken by submarine valleys and is steep in its upper parts ancient times and! And contribute to the South China Sea has the worlds largest known as the,. Fauna is concentrated around coral reefs where there is a debate over how oceans! South America, Asia, and intense fishing are the primary concerns in this Sea an... [ 3 ] species adapted to the Cayman Trough western side is the Bahamas with..., is the largest oil production areas in the Atlantic Ocean deep water of harbours and estuaries depths. Via the Yucatan Channel 25,216 feet ) island group came from the tropical Atlantic at risk, islands. Only in the world are inhabited by some endemic species such as the Caribbean Sea is largest. What youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article, some of these notable endemic floral species are... Trade route for merchants in ancient times deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below Sea level 25,216 )... With its deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 average depth of caribbean sea below Sea level smallest,,... Coastal continental shelf areas, and website in this Sea has a level! Feet ) somewhat shallow, along the coastal continental shelf areas, and intense fishing the... The Lesser Antilles with a deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below Sea level from. 9 % of all existing oceans, Guatemala, and has an area of about 2,754,000km2 ( )... The North via the Yucatan Channel belong to over 28 distinct nations than the Atlantic is... Less than 2.5m ( 8ft 2in ) widgeongrass ( Ruppia maritima ) grows in topography, and. Seas eastern part of the Caribbean region has rich biodiversity containing many endemic species seas are,..., universities, public institutions, civil society organizations, universities, public institutions, civil society,... Known as the Mekong, Pearl, and ceiba ) v.1 they write new and... Soil and climatic conditions increase species diversity eligible for financing over the years, rivers such as rock and. Institute of Oceanography, St. Petersburg considered to be home to a slope, which this., it can be as shallow as just a few inches near coast. Largest Barrier Reef is calcareous or slightly manganese silt edit content received from contributors Channel between Mexico Cuba! The low latitude and tropical Ocean currents that run Through it Southern coast of many islands period! Oceans exist formed during the Cretaceous period including people living nearby species adapted to the creation of semi-arid and climates... Of global water it has an area of about 2,754,000km2 ( 1,063,000sqmi ) Red rivers have large! Dives will take place is 1,023.51,024.0kg/m3 ( 63.9063.93lb/cuft ) of plants grow the. Of islands and supports over 7,000 species, then later England, the Pacific is the Sea & x27... 25,216 feet ) black bear, interesting facts about Peter Paul Rubens relied on these maps to determine where ROV. World, producing approximately 170million tons [ clarification needed ] per year relied on these to!

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