This question might come up in a geography test or a crossword puzzle: Is there a continent that borders 4 oceans? An educated person knows exactly the right answer. Well, if he doesn't know yet, he will figure it out with us.
Deciphering the geographical term "mainland"
Sometimes there is a confusion in terminology, since two designations are used "mainland" and "continent". Is there a difference between them? In fact, these words are synonyms. They denote large land masses that are above ocean level and are surrounded by water. So, you can say either a continent or a mainland that washes 4 oceans, the meaning of the question will not change from this. The only difference is that the mainland is only above the surface of the ocean, while the continent includes underwater continental slopes and shelves. However, both words are used interchangeably. Although geologists might argue with this statement, as they have spent many years studying this difference.
How many continents are there on the planet?
To answer the question of which continent is washed byfour oceans, you must first find out how many continents there are. There are 6 large land masses on Earth that are considered continents:
- Eurasia is considered the first - the largest continent on the planet, which consists of two parts that are different in historical and cultural development. They are called Europe and Asia.
- The second continent is Africa, it occupies one fifth of the entire earth's land.
- North America is the third largest.
- Fourth place belongs to South America, it occupies 12% of the land.
- The fifth largest continent is Australia. There is only one state with a very low population density.
- The existence of the sixth continent is still being argued by both ordinary people and scientists. Many believe that Antarctica is not a mainland.
The current division of the continents may change over time as they converge very slowly.
Supercontinent
The mainland that washes 4 oceans - Eurasia. It is rightfully considered a supercontinent, since it is the largest of all. The total area of this land mass is more than 54 million km². In addition to the mainland itself, this figure includes the area of 15 peninsulas.
Eurasia has such a serious extent that the entire list of climatic zones is represented on its territory. And the natural zones are formed under the influence of the four oceans of the planet.
The population of Eurasia is about 5 billion people. On the territory of the continent there are approximately 93 states and 10 unrecognizedformations.
Oceans washing the mainland Eurasia. Atlantic
West and southwest of the supercontinent is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. This is not the most significant ocean (in terms of area it is inferior to the Pacific), but its water area is considered the most developed of all. By the way, the area of the Atlantic is more than 91 million km², and its average depth is almost 4 thousand meters. The deepest place is the Puerto Rico Trench, it is more than 8700 meters.
East coast. Pacific Ocean
The eastern coasts of Eurasia are washed by the Pacific Ocean. This ocean is the largest and oldest on Earth. Its area is truly huge - it exceeds 178 million km². In fact, the Pacific Ocean occupies a third of the earth's surface. Its area is half of the entire area of the World Ocean.
The name "Pacific" does not match the nature of the ocean itself. It was invented by Magellan, who was very lucky with the weather during his circumnavigation.
Mean depth data is ambiguous. According to some estimates, it is 3900 m, but other researchers believe that it is 4200 m. The deepest point is the Mariana Trench. It is more than 11 km.
The eastern coast of Eurasia is dissected by bays and peninsulas, has many islands of various sizes.
South coast. Indian Ocean
The southern shores of Eurasia are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Its value is the third in the general list of oceans. The area is just over 76 million km². The average depths of the ocean are quite decent - 3711 m. The deepest point exceeds 7 km. Hername Sunda Trench.
The shores of Eurasia on the south side are indented much less than on the other sides. Geographical objects of considerable size are located here: the Arabian Peninsula and the Hindustan Peninsula, as well as the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
North coast. Arctic Ocean
From the north, the mainland, which washes 4 oceans, is bounded by the Arctic Ocean. It is small and cold, which causes the polar and subpolar climate of the coast. The ocean area is about 16 million km², the maximum depth is about 5500 m. But the average depth is only 1200 m.
The northern coast of Eurasia has a very wide shelf, which is exceptionally rich in minerals. Russia, Denmark and Norway are developing the shelf.
Now you know some of the features of our vast continent. If you are asked, Eurasia is which continent? Which is washed by 4 oceans - feel free to answer this question.
