Which ocean is almost circular in shape?a)Pacific Oceanb)Atlantic Oc...
The correct answer is option 1), i.e., the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean is almost circular.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, extending from the Arctic in the north to Antarctica in the south.
It is spread over one-third of the earth.
Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the earth, lies in the Pacific Ocean.
It has an area of 165.25 million square kilometres, larger than all of the Earth's land area combined.
The Pacific contains 25,000 islands (over half the islands in the world), most of which are south of the equator.
The equator subdivides it into the North Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, with two exceptions: the Galapagos and Gilbert Islands, while straddling the equator, are deemed wholly within the South Pacific.
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Which ocean is almost circular in shape?a)Pacific Oceanb)Atlantic Oc...
The correct answer is option 'A', the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is almost circular in shape. Let's delve into the details to understand why.
- **Pacific Ocean:**
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering an area of about 63 million square miles. It is located between the eastern coastlines of Asia and the western coastlines of the Americas.
- **Circular Shape:**
The Pacific Ocean is often described as having an almost circular shape due to its vast expanse and the way it is positioned between the continents. While it is not perfectly round, it appears circular when looking at maps and globes.
- **Ring of Fire:**
One significant feature that contributes to the circular shape of the Pacific Ocean is the presence of the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This belt of seismic activity forms a horseshoe-shaped ring around the Pacific Ocean, creating a circular pattern.
- **Tectonic Plate Boundaries:**
The circular shape of the Pacific Ocean is also influenced by the tectonic plate boundaries. The Pacific Plate, which is the largest tectonic plate on Earth, is surrounded by several other plates, including the North American Plate, South American Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Australian Plate. These plates meet along the edges of the Pacific Ocean, forming a circular pattern.
- **Subduction Zones:**
Another factor that contributes to the circular shape of the Pacific Ocean is the presence of subduction zones. Subduction occurs when one tectonic plate slides beneath another, leading to the formation of deep trenches and volcanic activity. Many subduction zones are located around the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the creation of curved boundaries and a circular shape.
In conclusion, the Pacific Ocean is almost circular in shape due to various factors, including the presence of the Ring of Fire, tectonic plate boundaries, and subduction zones. Its vast expanse and position between the continents contribute to its distinctive circular appearance.