Natural belts of the Atlantic Ocean. Climate zones of the Atlantic Ocean

Detailed solution to paragraph § 16 on geography for 7th grade students, authors Korinskaya V.A., Dushina I.V., Shchenev V.A. 2017

Questions and assignments.

1. What influence does its geographical location and size have on the nature of the Atlantic Ocean?

A gigantic mountain range stretches across the entire Atlantic. In one place it comes to the surface - this is the island of Iceland. The ridge divides the ocean floor into two almost equal parts. Vast shelves adjoin the coasts of Europe and North America. The Atlantic Ocean lies in all climate zones. The widest part of the ocean lies in tropical and temperate latitudes. Trade winds and westerly winds of temperate latitudes blow in these latitudes. In winter, storms often occur in temperate latitudes; in the Southern Hemisphere, they rage in all seasons of the year. Surface water temperatures are lower than those in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This is explained by the cooling influence of water and ice carried out from the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica, as well as intense mixing of water masses. Noticeable differences between water and air temperatures in several areas of the Atlantic cause the formation of strong fogs. The salinity of water masses in some areas of the ocean is higher than average, since a significant part of the evaporated moisture, due to the relative narrowness of the ocean, is transported by winds to neighboring continents. Currents in the Atlantic have a meridional rather than latitudinal direction. The reasons for this are the large elongation of the ocean from north to south and the outline of the coastline. Currents in the Atlantic more actively transport input masses, and with them heat and cold, from one latitude to another. The ocean is characterized by numerous icebergs and floating sea ice.

2. Identify natural complexes in the Atlantic Ocean in which latitudinal zoning is manifested, and complexes formed under the influence of land. Explain their features.

The Atlantic Ocean has almost all natural zones. Within them there are natural complexes of seas and bays (Mediterranean, Northern, Baltic and other seas). By their nature they differ from the complexes of the open ocean. In the northern subtropical zone there is the Sargasso Sea, unique in its nature - a sea without shores. Its boundaries are formed by currents. The waters of this sea have high salinity (up to 37%) and temperature.

3. Write a description of the nature of the Mediterranean Sea.

The land adjacent to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Eurasia and Africa is distinguished by the unity of natural and cultural landscapes. This uniformity of nature and conditions of economic activity around one of the largest seas on Earth was noted by geographers a very long time ago and gave rise to the introduction of the geographical concept of “Mediterranean”, or “Middle-earth”. The peculiarities and originality of the natural conditions of the Mediterranean are determined primarily by the subtropical climate with dry summers and wet winters. Nowhere else on Earth is this type of climate so widespread and so pronounced as on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, which is why it is called Mediterranean. Climate features determine the uniqueness of the entire natural complex. They determine the nature of runoff and hydrological conditions, the course of soil-forming processes and the formation of a special genetic type of brown soils. A special type of vegetation with clear features of adaptation to summer dryness is also associated with the Mediterranean climate. The Mediterranean Sea cuts into the land between the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia. In the northeast, the Mediterranean Sea is connected by the Dardanelles Strait with the waters of the Sea of Marmara, then through the Bosporus Strait with the Black Sea. In the southeast it connects to the Red Sea through the Suez Canal. The total area of the Mediterranean Sea is 2.5 million square kilometers, the volume of water is 3.8 million cubic meters. km. The Mediterranean Sea has an average depth of 1,541 meters, and the deepest point is at 5,121 meters. The coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is mainly leveled on mountainous shores, and on low shores it is of the lagoon-estuary type. The largest bays of the Mediterranean Sea: Taranto, Lyon, Valencia, Genoa, Sidra and Gabes. The largest islands: Sicily, Corsica, Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Crete and Cyprus. Large rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea: Tiber, Nile, Ebro, Po and Rhone. The total annual flow is approximately 430 cubic kilometers. The Mediterranean Sea has very little phyto- and zooplankton, but a lot of algae, such as peridinea and diatoms. The waters are home to approximately 550 species of fish, including herring, anchovy, mackerel, tuna, mullet, coryphen, bonito and horse mackerel.

4. Which parts of the Atlantic Ocean are the most polluted? Tell me why?

The Atlantic Ocean shelves are rich in oil deposits and other minerals. Thousands of wells have been drilled offshore the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. Due to the growth of cities, the development of shipping in many seas and in the ocean itself, a deterioration in natural conditions has recently been observed. The waters and air are polluted, and conditions for recreation on the shores of the ocean and its seas have deteriorated. For example, the North Sea is covered with many kilometers of oil slicks. Off the coast of North America, the oil film is hundreds of kilometers wide. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted on Earth. The Atlantic is no longer able to clean itself of waste on its own. The fight against pollution in this ocean is an international matter. Treaties have already been concluded that prohibit the dumping of hazardous waste into the ocean.

5. What role does the Atlantic Ocean play in the life of humanity?

Of all the oceans, the Atlantic occupies the most important place in the life of mankind. This happened historically. The most important sea routes pass through the Atlantic. Since time immemorial, the Atlantic Ocean has been a place of intensive fishing and hunting. Whaling in the Bay of Biscay was carried out as early as the 9th–12th centuries. The natural conditions of the Atlantic are favorable for the development of life, therefore it is the most productive of all the oceans. Most of the fish catch and production of other marine products occurs in the northern part of the ocean. The Atlantic Ocean shelves are rich in oil and other mineral deposits. Thousands of wells have been drilled offshore the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.

6. What is unique about the geographic location of the Arctic Ocean? How does it affect his nature?

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the Earth's oceans. It is the shallowest. The ocean is located in the center of the Arctic, which occupies the entire space around the North Pole, including the ocean, adjacent parts of the continents, islands and archipelagos. A significant part of the ocean area is made up of seas, most of which are marginal and only one is internal. There are many islands in the ocean located near the continents. The ocean is surrounded by land on almost all sides, which determines the features of its nature - climate, hydrological regime. The boundaries of the Arctic Ocean run from the Scandinavian Peninsula (62° N), to the Shetland and Faroe Islands, along the Danish, Davis and Bering Channels, through which its waters connect with the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The ocean coastline is highly dissected; It contains nine seas, which account for half of the total ocean surface. Many separate islands and archipelagos (Greenland, Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya).

8. How can we explain that the air over the Arctic Ocean is warmer than over Antarctica?

Although Antarctica receives about 7% more solar heat in summer than the Arctic, the climate in the Arctic is significantly warmer than in the South Polar region. There are several reasons to explain this seemingly strange phenomenon. One of them is the free communication of the Arctic Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean in the vast area between Greenland and the northern tip of Europe. The warm waters of the Atlantic, including the powerful Gulf Stream, freely penetrating under the Arctic ice, transfer a colossal amount of heat to the Arctic, thereby significantly softening its climate. In addition, together with the fresh water of the largest rivers of Eurasia and North America flowing into the Arctic Ocean, the Arctic receives an additional amount of heat all year round, which the Antarctic is deprived of. But, perhaps, one of the main reasons for the Antarctic cold is that the continent that exists at the South Pole is the highest of all six on Earth. The average height of the Antarctic continent is more than 2,000 m, while the next highest Eurasia has an average height of only about 900 m. This fact is explained by the fact that the continental rocks of Antarctica are covered with a thick layer of ice, the average thickness of which is approximately 1,800 m. Then how in the Central Arctic the height of the surface of the ice fields of the Arctic Ocean is a few meters, which practically corresponds to sea level. Due to the difference in altitude alone, Antarctica should be colder than the Arctic by an average of about 13°C, and at the top of the ice dome - by as much as 25–28°C, since the air temperature in the atmosphere decreases by 6.5°C with every kilometer of altitude.

9. What natural complexes are distinguished in the Arctic Ocean? Why?

The Arctic Ocean is located within the northern Arctic natural zone of the World Ocean. The seas of the ocean lie in the northern subpolar zone. 1. The Northern Polar Belt is a unique water complex. During the year, most of the surface is covered with drifting ice. Wind, currents and tides cause the movement of ice, piles of ice are formed - hummocks up to 10–12 m high. This belt is not very suitable for life. Only seals live on its outskirts , walruses, polar bears. 2. The subarctic zone covers parts of the ocean adjacent to the land; their nature is not so harsh. In summer, the water off the coast is free of ice, and is also very desalinated by river waters. In the water areas where warm waters penetrate, there is a lot of plankton and fish.

10. Identify the main types of economic activity in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

The Atlantic Ocean represents all types of human economic activity in marine areas. Among them, maritime transport is of greatest importance, followed by underwater oil and gas production, and only then by fishing and use of biological resources. On the shores of the Atlantic there are more than 70 coastal countries with a population of over 1.3 billion people. Many transoceanic routes with large volumes of freight and passenger traffic pass through the ocean. The most significant ports in the world in terms of cargo turnover are located on the coasts of the ocean and its seas. The already explored mineral resources of the ocean are significant (examples are given above). However, oil and gas fields are currently being intensively developed on the shelf of the North and Caribbean Seas, in the Bay of Biscay. Many countries that previously did not have significant reserves of these types of mineral raw materials are now experiencing economic growth due to their production (England, Norway, the Netherlands, Mexico, etc.).

The biological resources of the ocean have been intensively used for a long time. However, due to overfishing of a number of valuable commercial fish species, in recent years the Atlantic is inferior to the Pacific Ocean in the production of fish and seafood. Intensive human economic activity in the Atlantic Ocean and its seas causes a noticeable deterioration of the natural environment - both in the ocean (water and air pollution, reduction in stocks of commercial fish species) and on the coasts. In particular, recreational conditions on the ocean shores are deteriorating. In order to prevent further and reduce existing pollution of the natural environment of the Atlantic Ocean, scientific recommendations are being developed and international agreements are being concluded on the rational use of ocean resources.

The Arctic Ocean is of exceptional importance for the countries whose shores are washed by its waters. The harsh nature of the ocean makes it difficult to search for minerals. But oil and natural gas deposits have already been explored on the shelf of the Kara and Barents Seas, off the coast of Alaska and Canada. The biological wealth of the ocean is small. In the Atlantic region they fish and obtain seaweed, and hunt seals. Whale production in the ocean is strictly limited. The development of the Northern Sea Route began only in the 30s. XX century The Northern Sea Route (abbreviated NSR) is the main shipping route in the Arctic, which significantly reduces the distances between European and Far Eastern ports. The NSR plays a huge role in the development of Siberia. Equipment and food are transported to Siberia along this route, and timber and ore are exported. Navigation lasts from 2 to 4 months, and in some areas with the help of icebreakers its duration is longer. To ensure the operation of the Northern Sea Route, special services have been created in our country: polar aviation, a whole network of meteorological stations on the coast and on drifting ice floes.

11. What professions should polar explorers have?

The Arctic Ocean is studied by people who are called by the expressive word “polar explorers”. Belonging to polar explorers is determined not only by profession, but also by geographical area of activity. Despite the fact that a person is armed with powerful technology, working in the Arctic Ocean is difficult and dangerous. Polar explorers are characterized not only by courage and courage, endurance and hard work, but also by high professional skill. Geographer, meteorologist, doctor.

1. What influence does its geographical location and size have on the nature of the Atlantic Ocean?

The meridional extent of the Atlantic Ocean determines the difference in its nature by latitude. The north of the ocean is strongly influenced by the Arctic, and the south by the Antarctic; The ocean lies in almost all climate zones. The differences in longitude are not so great, since, unlike the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic is much narrower. Sea currents, especially the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic, have a strong influence on the nature and climate of the ocean coasts.

2. Identify natural complexes in the ocean in which latitudinal zoning is manifested, and complexes formed under the influence of land. Explain their features. Individual natural complexes in the ocean can be identified using the boundaries of climatic zones as a basis. The seas of the Atlantic Ocean are divided into separate natural complexes, the most interesting of which is the natural complex of the Sargasso Sea.

3. Write a description of the nature of the Mediterranean Sea.

On a contour map, identify all the seas of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea. Using school atlas maps, determine the features of their geographical location, climatic characteristics, forms of economic use by humans and other features of nature and economy.

4. Which parts of the Atlantic Ocean are particularly polluted? Why?

Economic activity contributes to the pollution of Atlantic waters. The degree of pollution depends on the intensity of use of the ocean's natural resources. The coastal waters of the ocean are the most polluted. Severe water pollution is observed in areas through which sea transport routes pass.

write a description of the nature of the Mediterranean Sea
which parts of the Atlantic Ocean are especially polluted why?
what influence does its geographical location and size have on the nature of the Atlantic Ocean?
what impact does it have on the nature of the Atlantic Ocean?
description of the nature of the Mediterranean Sea

Atlantic Ocean is the second largest in the world, being approximately half the size of the Pacific Ocean.

It is bounded in the north by Greenland and Iceland, in the east by Africa and Europe, in the west by North and South America, and in the south by Antarctica.

It is easy to notice that the ocean washes the shores of almost all continents, and has a noticeably elongated shape.

Characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean

The area of the Atlantic Ocean exceeds 91 million km2, and this is a lot.

HELP!types of economic activities in the Atlantic Ocean

Its depth is also impressive: the maximum is 8742 meters, and the average is about 3600 meters. Due to this, the volume of its waters is very large - 329.6 million km3. This is a quarter of the water reserves of the World Ocean.

Brief information:

— The bottom of the Atlantic Ocean is very uneven, and has many faults, depressions and small mountains.
And from north to south, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs along the central part of the ocean floor; it divides the ocean into western and eastern parts (they are almost equal to each other). Earthquakes and underwater volcanic eruptions are observed in the area of the ridge.
— Seas, bays and straits occupy about 16% of the area of the Atlantic Ocean (14.7 million km2).
— There are relatively few islands in the ocean, about a thousand.
— Due to the large extent of the reservoir, as well as atmospheric circulation and ocean currents, the Atlantic Ocean includes all the climatic zones of the planet.
In general, the average temperature in its expanses in summer is 20 °C, and in winter - from 0 to 10 °C. As you move north from the equator, the temperature drops noticeably.
— Water salinity ranges from 34‰ (at the equator) to 39‰ (in the Mediterranean Sea). Although in areas where rivers flow into the ocean, this figure can be halved.
— Floating ice on the surface of the ocean is formed only in its northern and southern parts, since they are close to the poles of the planet.
— The diversity of flora and fauna of the Atlantic Ocean is very great, but it can also boast of the number of living organisms.
Thanks to this, the ocean feeds a huge number of people. But this leads to a noticeable reduction in representatives of the animal world. That is why a limit on fish catch has been set, and other similar restrictions have been introduced.
— In the Atlantic Ocean, mineral extraction takes place (oil, gas, iron ore, sulfur and many others). This leads to gradual pollution of its waters.

— The Atlantic Ocean got its name thanks to the ancient Greek myth about Atlas, a mighty titan who holds the firmament on his shoulders.
— The famous Bermuda Triangle is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Many ships and planes actually disappeared in that area, but there is a scientific basis for these incidents. However, no one knows for sure what actually happened.

Atlantic Ocean: biogeocenosis and environmental problems

regular and accidental discharges; according to the second: their chemical composition and physical state.

Every year, up to 1.5 million tons of oil and petroleum products, a huge amount of various acids and salts, and millions of tons of solids (containers, paper, glass, plastic, polyethylene, etc.) enter the Atlantic Ocean and its seas.

At the bottom, radioactive waste is buried in special containers. Thermal pollution of the Atlantic (especially its northern part) is also significant due to the discharge of hot and warm water from industrial wastewater and thermal power plants. In addition, there is indirect pollution of the ocean, which occurs during the construction of dams and reservoirs.

At the same time, the volume of river flow changes, the solid flow of rivers changes, and the chemical and mechanical composition of suspensions entering the ocean waters changes. 1). In connection with the current situation, a number of scientists from European North American countries are studying and developing maximum permissible pollution standards and the concentration of certain substances.

The creation of regulations and the development of technical systems for wastewater treatment lead to certain positive results. In the USA, Canada, France and Great Britain, special services have been created and operate to combat the consequences of emergency oil spills. The oil slick is localized along the perimeter with special floating barriers, and then either scooped up or helps the oil lumps settle to the bottom using chemicals. These measures are necessary, as the Atlantic Ocean has the largest tanker loading - 38% of all oil shipments (Indian Ocean - 34%, Pacific Ocean - 28%).

Most oil transportation occurs on international routes off the coast of Western and Southern Europe. For example, the concentration of oil in the North Sea is 0.1-0.5 mg/l, the Gulf Stream zone is up to 1 mg/l. In 1972, the UN held a Conference on Environmental Problems, at which it was decided to conduct research on oil pollution in the World Ocean, including the Atlantic Ocean.

From 175 to 1978, the International Oceanographic Commission and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) organized expeditions by scientists from 25 countries. More than 100 thousand visual observations were carried out, more than 5 thousand were taken.

water and soil samples. The conclusion was that in all areas there is dispersed oil in a meter-thick layer. Problems of ocean protection were also raised in the 1987 report of the International Commission on the Environment (ICE) “Our Common Future”. In recent years, international organizations have initiated the creation of aquatic protected areas: national parks, reserves, nature reserves.

The creation and expansion of national protected areas contributes to the formation and development of public structures for the protection of aquatic objects. So far there are few of them, but the prospects are encouraging, since the need to establish a special regime for the protection of certain water areas is based on people’s conscious attitude towards the riches of the ocean.

The main criteria for the creation of protected aquatic areas are: the nature and main purpose of the mode of use of this object (absolute withdrawal from economic exploitation in the interests of science and culture) or partial use for recreation, reproduction of natural resources; degree of complexity of the protected object (natural complex as a whole or any of the natural resources); duration of the established restrictive regime.

Currently known in the Atlantic Ocean; Everglades Marine National Park (Florida), Jefferson Marine Park, Buck Island Region National Park, where coral flora and fauna are protected. A number of territories in the Mediterranean Sea are being prepared, in particular, the island of Media (Spain), the Cote d'Azur of France is being protected.

It is planned to create aquatic reserves in Great Britain and Denmark. For more than 25 years, the Assate Island National Seashore has existed to protect the barrier reef and its inhabitants. The Cahuanta Reef has been declared a natural monument in Costa Rica. In the countries of South America, they are just beginning to create marine and underwater reserves. In Venezuela, it is planned to establish 5 coastal national parks and 18 reserves. Since 1940, there have been 4 lobster reserves off the coast of South Africa (in Table Bay near Cape Town).

Reserves are being created off Robben Island and in St. Helens Bay. List of used literature: 1. Zirgoffer A Atlantic Ocean and its seas Moscow, 1975 2. Atlantic Ocean (series Nature and natural resources of the World Ocean) M., 77 3.

Atlantic Ocean (series geography of the World Ocean) L., 84 4. Gorsky N.N.

Economic activities in the Atlantic Ocean

Secrets of the ocean. M., 1968.
Atlantic Ocean: biogeocenosis and environmental problems

Moderator of the site RESURS.KZ

Economic use of the Atlantic Ocean

Among them, maritime transport is of greatest importance, followed by underwater oil and gas production, and only then by fishing and use of biological resources.

On the shores of the Atlantic there are more than 70 coastal countries with a population of over 1.3 billion people. Many transoceanic routes with large volumes of freight and passenger traffic pass through the ocean.

The most significant ports in the world in terms of cargo turnover are located on the coasts of the ocean and its seas.

The already explored mineral resources of the ocean are significant (examples are given above). However, oil and gas fields are currently being intensively developed on the shelf of the North and Caribbean Seas, in the Bay of Biscay. Many countries that previously did not have significant reserves of these types of mineral raw materials are now experiencing economic growth due to their production (England, Norway, the Netherlands, Mexico, etc.).

The biological resources of the ocean have been intensively used for a long time.

However, due to overfishing of a number of valuable commercial fish species, in recent years the Atlantic is inferior to the Pacific Ocean in the production of fish and seafood.

Intensive human economic activity in the Atlantic Ocean and its seas causes a noticeable deterioration of the natural environment - both in the ocean (water and air pollution, reduction in stocks of commercial fish species) and on the coasts.

Economic use of the Atlantic Ocean Wikipedia
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HELP!types of economic activities in the Atlantic Ocean

Answers:

The Atlantic Ocean represents all types of human economic activity in marine areas.

Among them, maritime transport is of greatest importance, followed by underwater oil and gas production, and only then by fishing and use of biological resources. On the shores of the Atlantic there are more than 70 coastal countries with a population of over 1.3 billion people. Many transoceanic routes with large volumes of freight and passenger traffic pass through the ocean. The most significant ports in the world in terms of cargo turnover are located on the coasts of the ocean and its seas. The already explored mineral resources of the ocean are significant (examples are given above).

However, oil and gas fields are currently being intensively developed on the shelf of the North and Caribbean Seas, in the Bay of Biscay.

Question: HELP!types of economic activities in the Atlantic Ocean

Many countries that previously did not have significant reserves of these types of mineral raw materials are now experiencing economic growth due to their production (England, Norway, the Netherlands, Mexico, etc.). The biological resources of the ocean have been intensively used for a long time.

However, due to overfishing of a number of valuable commercial fish species, in recent years the Atlantic is inferior to the Pacific Ocean in the production of fish and seafood. Intensive human economic activity in the Atlantic Ocean and its seas causes a noticeable deterioration of the natural environment - both in the ocean (water and air pollution, decrease in stocks of commercial fish species) and on the coasts.

In particular, recreational conditions on the ocean shores are deteriorating. In order to prevent further and reduce existing pollution of the natural environment of the Atlantic Ocean, scientific recommendations are being developed and international agreements are being concluded on the rational use of ocean resources.

The Atlantic and Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans, as well as continental bodies of water, make up the World Ocean. The hydrosphere plays a critical role in shaping the planet's climate. Under the influence of solar energy, part of the water in the oceans evaporates and falls as precipitation on the continents. The circulation of surface water moistens the continental climate and brings heat or cold to the mainland. Ocean water changes its temperature more slowly and therefore differs from the temperature regime of the earth. It should be noted that the climatic zones of the World Ocean are the same as on land.

Climate zones of the Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean has a large extent and four atmospheric centers with different air masses - warm and cold - are formed in it. The water temperature regime is affected by water exchange with the Mediterranean Sea, Antarctic seas and the Arctic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean contains all the climatic zones of the planet, so different parts of the ocean have completely different weather conditions.

Climatic zones of the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is located in four climatic zones. In the northern part of the ocean there is a monsoon climate, which was formed under the influence of the continental one. The warm tropical zone has high air temperatures. Sometimes there are storms with strong winds, and even tropical hurricanes occur. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the equatorial zone. It can be cloudy here, especially in the area close to Antarctic waters. Clear and favorable weather occurs in the Arabian Sea region.

Climate zones of the Pacific Ocean

The climate of the Pacific Ocean is influenced by the weather of the Asian continent. Solar energy is distributed zonally. The ocean is located in almost all climatic zones except the Arctic. Depending on the belt, in different areas there is a difference in atmospheric pressure, and different air flows circulate. In winter, strong winds predominate, and in summer, southern and weak winds. In the equatorial zone, calm weather almost always prevails. Warmer temperatures in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, cooler in the east.

Source: ECOportal.info

In the Atlantic Ocean, all zonal complexes are distinguished - natural zones, except for the North Polar. The waters of the northern subpolar zone are rich in life. It is especially developed on the shelves off the coasts of Iceland, Greenland and the Labrador Peninsula. The temperate zone is characterized by intense interaction between cold and warm waters; its waters are the most productive areas of the Atlantic. Vast areas of warm waters of two subtropical, two tropical and equatorial zones are less productive than the waters of the northern temperate zone.

In the northern subtropical zone, a special natural aquatic complex of the Sargasso Sea stands out. It is characterized by high water salinity (up to 37.5 ppm) and low bioproductivity. In the clear, pure blue water, brown algae grow - sargassum, which gives the name to the water area.

In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, as in the northern, natural complexes are rich in life in areas where waters with different temperatures and water densities mix. The sub-Antarctic and Antarctic belts are characterized by seasonal and permanent ice phenomena, which affect the composition of the fauna (krill, cetaceans, nototheniid fish).

Natural complexes of the Atlantic Ocean Wikipedia
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Atlantic Ocean: !.Surface currents in the ocean.2.Organic world.3. Zonal natural complexes (natural zones) and azonal aquatic complexes of the ocean.

Answers:

1) The Gulf Stream is a warm current of the Atlantic Ocean, it softens the climate of Europe 2) The organic world of the Atlantic Ocean The organic world of the Atlantic Ocean is inferior in the number of species to the Pacific and Indian. This is due to its youth, long-term isolation from the Indian and Pacific oceans, and the strong influence of the cold climate in the Quaternary period.

The phytobenthos of the northern part of the ocean is represented by brown algae (mainly mucoids, kelp, alaria), green, red and brown (Sargasso) algae are common in the tropical zone, and kelp is most common in the southern part of the ocean. Zoobenthos: octopuses, coral polyps, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, specific types of fish. 3) In the Atlantic Ocean, all zonal complexes are distinguished - natural zones, except for the North Polar.

The waters of the northern subpolar zone are rich in life. It is especially developed on the shelves off the coasts of Iceland, Greenland and the Labrador Peninsula. The temperate zone is characterized by intense interaction between cold and warm waters; its waters are the most productive areas of the Atlantic. Vast areas of warm waters of two subtropical, two tropical and equatorial zones are less productive than the waters of the northern temperate zone.

In the northern subtropical zone, a special natural aquatic complex of the Sargasso Sea stands out. It is characterized by high water salinity (up to 37.5 ppm) and low bioproductivity.

In the clear, pure blue water, brown algae grow - sargassum, which gives the name to the water area. In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, as in the northern, natural complexes are rich in life in areas where waters with different temperatures and water densities mix.

The sub-Antarctic and Antarctic belts are characterized by seasonal and permanent ice phenomena, which affect the composition of the fauna (krill, cetaceans, notothenium FISH

Within the Atlantic Ocean, all physiographic zones are clearly represented, except for the North Polar.

The northern subpolar (subarctic) belt covers the waters off the island of Greenland and the Labrador Peninsula.

In winter, the air temperature drops to - 20°, water temperature to - 1 °C and below. The ocean is partially covered with ice in winter. Ice formation causes an additional increase in the salinity of water and its immersion to depth. In spring and summer, the waters of the belt receive a lot of solar radiation, the ice melts rapidly, the surface layer is desalinated, its temperature reaches + 6 ° C.

A subpolar cyclonic water cycle is formed in the northern subpolar belt.

In the central parts of the belt, divergence and rise of waters occur. In summer, as a result of heating the surface layer, a subsurface layer of temperature jump is formed. That's why deep mixing stops. Abundant solar radiation causes powerful photosynthetic activity and massive development of phytoplankton in water containing many nutrients.

The water turns green - comes hydrobiological spring. With intensive development of zooplankton begins hydrobiological summer.

The northern temperate zone occupies extensive the water area between North America and Europe, including several seas, bays and straits. It is narrow near North America, where warm and cold currents come together, and wide in the east, where the jets of the North Atlantic Current diverge widely. This zone, like all temperate zones of the World Ocean, is characterized by maximum horizontal temperature gradients and small fluctuations throughout the year, which is associated with the entry into the temperate zones of air and water masses of different origins - tropical and arctic.

Such contrasts are especially noticeable on the western margins of the oceans.

The northern temperate zone is characterized by the dominance of westerly winds. Air masses of tropical and polar origin meet here and are separated by the polar front. A similar phenomenon is observed in the ocean; tropical and high-latitude water masses interact and partially mix.

In the belt located The North, Irish, Celtic Seas, the true subtropical zone is located approximately between 25 and 40 ° N.

w. This is a zone of dominance of high atmospheric pressure and downward movement of air (how many hundreds of meters per day) entering With antipassat from the equatorial belt.

Air masses of temperate latitudes penetrate into the northern part of the belt in winter, V southern summer - equatorial air.

The state of the atmosphere is usually stable, rain is rare. A warm, relatively dry tropical air. From here the air moves to moderate latitudes (southwest wind) and southwest, towards the equator, giving rise to the northeast trade wind.

The southern strip of the subtropical belt is the zone where the trade wind originates.

It is characterized by a clear blue sky, blue sea, weak excitement.

The weak wind is associated with the absence of strong and stable currents in the middle part of the belt. The waters of the North Trade Wind Current, the Gulf Stream, move clockwise around it. The oceanographic conditions of this part of the belt are determined by the Gulf Stream. The main process here is the transfer of a huge mass of warm (+26-+ 30 °C) tropical waters of high salinity (over 36%o) to higher latitudes.

There are countercurrents on both sides of the Gulf Stream. At the edges of the current, vortices (less than 50 km wide) are formed, rotating in the opposite direction.

Changes in the Gulf Stream have a strong impact on vast and remote areas of the North Atlantic. In addition, many tropical cyclones travel north along the Gulf Stream.

Within the belt are the Sargasso, Marmara, Black, Azov, Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic, Cretan, Aegean, and Tyrrhenian seas.

The northern tropical zone corresponds to the trade wind zone of the Northern Hemisphere between 10-12 and 25° N.

sh., includes the Caribbean Sea and most of the Gulf of Mexico.

Trade wind strength is on average 3-5, on the border of the subtropics 2-3, in equatorial latitudes 5-6, in winter up to 8 points. In summer, the trade wind zone shifts to the north, the strength of the wind decreases, but basically the trade wind is the most stable wind on Earth. In summer, the northern tropical zone includes intertropical convergence zone with equatorial air and abundant precipitation. The trade wind zone has dry winters and wet, rainy summers.

This climate corresponds to the savannah zone on land.

The belt is characterized by heating of surface waters. The thickness of the layer of warm water in the east is 10-15, in the west 75-150 m. The salinity of the water is high (36.0-36.5), the maximum salinity (about 37%o) is observed at depths of 50-200 m.

In tropical latitudes, storms are rare, but they arise and develop here every year. And two to four tropical cyclones move, in which the wind sometimes reaches hurricane force, i.e.

i.e. more than 30 m/s. Cyclones originate during the season of maximum heating (+ 28 °C) of surface waters in summer and autumn, mainly in the warmer, western areas ocean. In the area of the Antilles, powerful upward air currents develop over the heated surface of the water. They are visible visually in the form of cumulus clouds. The rising air carries with it a large amount of water vapor. At altitude, steam condenses, additional latent heat of vaporization enters the atmosphere, and intense rain falls.

Due to the rise of air, the pressure drops to 715 mm Hg. st. and below. Air rushes into the resulting depression from all sides. Due to the rotation of the Earth, it is deflected to the right, forming a vortex with a diameter of 100-400 km, in which air rotates counterclockwise around a central area of low pressure at a speed of up to 100 m/s or more.

The energy and destructive power of the vortex increase in proportion to the square of the speed. On the ocean, the cyclone creates powerful waves; on the shores, destruction is caused by wind, storm and unusually heavy rainfall, accompanied by extensive flooding.

The amount of precipitation on some islands reaches 1000 mm or more.

In the northern tropical zone, where the surface water temperature is almost everywhere above + 20 ° C, communities of coral reefs and mangroves, characteristic only of low latitudes, are common. But in the Atlantic Ocean they do not reach such development as in the Indian and Pacific.

The equatorial belt is located mainly in the Northern Hemisphere on both sides of the thermal equator between 10-12° N. w. and 0-3° S. w. It includes parts of the Northern and Southern Trade Wind Currents and a system of equatorial countercurrents.

The belt is dominated by an equatorial climate. It is characterized by a high temperature of the surface layer of water, a complex water circulation system with a predominance of rise, and relatively high bioproductivity. On the continents, this zone corresponds to the zone of moist equatorial forests.

The intertropical zone of convergence of the trade winds of the two hemispheres with intense rain passes through the belt twice a year (in spring and autumn).

Therefore, in the belt there are two seasons - spring and autumn - wet with the so-called zenithal rains (the sun passes through the zenith at this time), and two - winter and summer - relatively dry (the sun moves away from the equator, the trade wind penetrates into the belt, and at this time zenithal rains fall in the tropics, southern and northern respectively). The equator receives not only the energy of direct solar radiation, but also a large amount of latent heat of vaporization associated with warm air saturated with water vapor and driven by trade winds.

The equatorial belt collects moisture and heat from the vast tropical (trade wind) belts.

The trade winds of both hemispheres enter and gradually fade into the strip of the thermal equator. Between them there is usually always a strip of wind calm, calms and squalls up to 500 km wide. As a result of strong heating of the calm ocean surface, powerful upward currents of moist air close to the saturation state arise.

Their cooling during ascent causes condensation of vapors, the formation of large clouds and heavy rainfall, usually with thunderstorms.

Water temperature at surfaces During the year it changes little - by 1-3 “C. Salinity in in general close to normal, only in areas of high river flow - in the mouths of the Amazon, Orinoco - 34, and in the Gulf of Biafra - 32-33%.

The southern tropical zone is located between 0-3° S.

w. and 18° S. w. in the east and 30° south. w. in the West. The southeast trade wind dominates here. In his eastern parts of the Southern Trade Wind Current originates, which crosses the ocean from east to west with speed 0.5 m/s. The depth of the current is 300 m. The water temperature on the surface reaches + 27 “C, the salinity is high - 36% o.

Countercurrents are sometimes observed within the current flow. Hydrological regime of western districts caused by the Brazilian Current. The shelf here is narrow.

There is a large river flow in the belt, especially in the area where the Congo River flows into the ocean. Hurricanes are rare, and seasonal upwelling is noticeable. In coastal areas there is high bioproduction.

The southern subtropical belt is located between the zones of the South Trade Wind and Antarctic Circumpolar Currents.

Due to the presence of warm and cold currents, the boundaries of the belt off the coast of South America lie at higher latitudes, and at coast of Africa - closer to the equator.

The open ocean is characterized by intense solar radiation, low precipitation, high evaporation, and weak winds of variable directions. This explains the absence of powerful currents, the formation of warm (+16-I-18 °C), highly saline (36-37%0) waters, their immersion and low bioproductivity.

High bioproductivity on the shelf of Uruguay, where the waters of the La Plata River and the Falkland Current penetrate, as well as waters from the depths.

The southern temperate zone begins south of the subtropical convergence zone at 37- 40 ° south w. IN these latitudes, the Atlantic Ocean connects with the Pacific Ocean through the Drake Passage, as well as with the Indian Ocean south of Africa.

The belt is dominated by Western And northwest winds, deep cyclones moving from west to east, accompanied by stormy winds.

The frequency and severity of storms are high. Storms occur in any season, but most often in autumn and winter. Here, the environment is favorable for the development of wind waves - the unrestricted water space of the open ocean and great depths. Storm winds, without encountering any obstacles on their way, have great acceleration, wave heights are up to 20 m. The waves reach Cape Horn, which is known as one of the stormiest places in the world.

All year round there is low stratus cloudiness in the belt, frequent fogs and prolonged rains. The air temperature is low - + 10 in summer, 0 ° C in winter.

General information and physical-geographical location

The Atlantic Ocean is located mainly in. Western Hemisphere. From north to south it extends for 16 thousand.

km. In the northern and southern parts, the ocean expands, and in equatorial latitudes it sounds up to 2900 km.

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest among the oceans. Ocean coastline in. The northern hemisphere is heavily dissected by peninsulas and bays. Continents in the ocean have many islands, internal and marginal seas

Bottom relief

It stretches across the entire ocean at approximately equal distances from the shores of the continents.

Mid-ocean ridge. The relative height of the ridge is 2 km. In the axial part of the ridge there is a rift valley from 6 to. ZO. km and a depth of up to 2 km. Transverse faults divide the ridge into separate segments. Associated with rifts and faults at mid-ocean ridges are active underwater volcanoes and volcanoes. And Slandia and. Azores Islands. The ocean has its greatest depth within the trench.

Puerto Rico - 8742 m. Shelf area. The Atlantic Ocean is quite large - larger than the. Pacific Ocean.

Climate

The Atlantic Ocean is located in all climate zones. Earth, so its climates are very diverse. Most of the ocean (between 40°N and 42°S) is located in the subtropical, tropical, subequatorial and equatorial climate zones. The southern parts of the ocean are characterized by a strict climate, and the northern regions are somewhat less cold.

Properties of waters and ocean currents

The zoning of water masses in the ocean is very complicated by the influence of land and sea currents, which is manifested primarily in the temperature distribution of surface waters.

The northern half of the ocean is warmer than the southern half, with different temperatures reaching up to 6 °. C. The average surface water temperature is 16.5 °C.

Salinity of surface waters c. Atlantic Ocean high. Many large rivers flow into the ocean and its seas (Amazon, Coigo, Mississippi, Nile, Danube, Parana, etc.). Ice forms in the desalinated bays and seas of subpolar and temperate latitudes in winter off the eastern shores.

A special feature of the ocean is the numerous icebergs and floating sea ice that are carried here from. Northern. Arctic Ocean and from the shores.

Antarcticatidi.

Due to the strong elongation. The Atlantic Ocean from north to south has more developed ocean currents in the meridional direction than in the latitudinal one. In the Atlantic, two systems are formed on top of the currents. In the Northern Hemisphere it looks like a figure eight -. Northern. Passatnaya,. Gulf Stream. North Atlantic and. The Ka-Nar currents form a clockwise movement of water in temperate and tropical latitudes. In the northern part.

The North Atlantic Current guides the waters. Atlantic to North. Arctic Ocean counterclockwise. Like cold currents they return to. Atlantic Ocean in the northeastern part. B. Southern Hemisphere.

Passatnaya,. Brazilian,. Western. Vetrov and. The Benguela currents form a counterclockwise movement of water in the form of one ring.

Organic world

Atlantic Ocean compared to. Quiet had a poorer species composition of living organisms.

However, in terms of quantity and total biomass, then. The Atlantic Ocean is rich in organisms. This is primarily due to the significant spread of the shelf, on which many bottom and bottom fish live (cod, perch, flounder, etc.).

Natural complexes

The Atlantic Ocean is divided into all zonal complexes - natural zones, except for the North Polar. The waters of the north subpolar zone are rich in various types of living organisms - especially on the shelf near the Berets. Greenland and. Labrador. The temperate zone is characterized by intense interaction between cold and warm waters and an abundance of living organisms.

These are the most fishing areas. Atlantic. Large expanses of warm waters of the subtropical, tropical and equatorial zones are less productive than the waters of the northern temperate zone.

In the northern subtropical zone there is a special natural water complex. Sargasovog in the sea. It is characterized by increased water salinity - up to 37.5% and low productivity.

In the temperate zone.

In the southern hemisphere (as in the northern) there are complexes where waters of different temperatures and densities mix. The complexes of the subantarctic and antarctic belts are characterized by the seasonal distribution of floating ice and icebergs.

Economic use

The Atlantic Ocean presents all types of maritime activities, among which the most important are maritime, transport, underwater oil and gas production, and only then - the use of biological resources

. Atlantic Ocean- the main sea route of the world, an area of intense shipping. On the banks.

The Atlantic Ocean is home to more than 70 coastal countries with a population of more than 1.3 billion people

The mineral resources of the ocean include placer deposits of rare metals, diamonds, and gold.

In the depths of the shelf, reserves of iron ore and sulfur are concentrated, large deposits of oil and gas have been discovered, and are exploited by many countries (North Sea, etc.). Some shelf areas are rich in coal.

Ocean energy is used to operate tidal power plants (for example, at the mouth of the Rance River in the north of France).

Many Atlantic countries extract mineral resources such as table salt, magnesium, bromine, and uranium from the ocean and its seas.

Desalination plants operate in dry areas

The biological resources of the ocean are also being intensively used. The Atlantic Ocean is the largest per unit area, but its biological resources are depleted in some areas

Due to intensive economic activity in many seas in the open ocean, natural conditions are deteriorating - water and air pollution, a decrease in stocks of valuable commercial fish, etc.

Other animals. Recreational conditions on the ocean shores are deteriorating.

Source: statc.ru

All properties of water and natural processes in the World Ocean, the ecological situation in general and, accordingly, life change from the poles to the equator, that is, they have a pronounced zonal character. This allows-

It is possible to identify latitudinal physical-geographical belts in the World Ocean and outline the most general features of their nature. D.V. Bogdanov identified eleven latitudinal divisions, which he called natural belts

Ocean: two polar, subpolar, temperate, subtropical and tropical zones and one equatorial (Fig. 86).

Polar (Arctic and Antarctic) belts occupy most of the Arctic and a narrow strip around Antarctica. The air and water there have a negative temperature throughout the year, so almost the entire year the water is bound by a continuous ice cover of sea pack and shelf ice. The vertical thermohaline circulation of water is weak, somewhat intensified in winter, but not observed in summer due to desalination of the upper layer. Due to weak mixing, the removal of nutrients from below is difficult. The belts are characterized by polar days and nights and auroras. In such a harsh ecological situation, life is extremely poor: the number of species and individuals is small. In summer, for a short period (1-1.5 months), phytoplankton appears in the polynyas, followed by zooplank.

Rice. 86. Natural zones of the World Ocean (according to D.V. Bogdanov)

tone - cold-loving fish and fish-eating pinnipeds (walruses and seals), as well as polar bears (only in the northern hemisphere). In Antarctica, the main inhabitants are penguins. Some other birds appear in summer. The economic importance of these belts is minimal: there are few fish and sea animals, and navigation is impossible due to the harsh ice conditions. On land, these belts correspond to ice deserts.

Subpolar (subarctic and subantarctic) belts. These include the marginal seas of Eurasia, North America and the ocean strip around Antarctica at a latitude of 60-70°. These are zones of the ice edge: in winter there is ice, in summer there is water. In winter, conditions are close to those of the polar zones: lack of light, negative temperatures, ice. In summer

The water temperature reaches 3 - 5 °C in the northern hemisphere, 2 - 3 °C in the southern hemisphere. There are an abundance of icebergs, a lot of sunlight and oxygen. Since intense thermohaline circulation occurs in winter up to the shelf and continental slope, water with abundant food rises upward, which is favorable for the development of life. During the short spring, a mass of phytoplankton develops, the water turns green, and a little later, in the summer, active development of zooplankton begins (many crustaceans, including krill up to 3-4 mm long). During this period, schools of fish and whales come here to feed. In summer, nesting places for many birds, including those that feed on fish, appear on the rocky shores of the islands, the so-called bird colonies: gulls, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars, etc. They feed the chicks with insects. During this period, there is a large fishery for both bottom fish (flounder, cod, halibut, haddock, sea bass) and pelagic fish (herring), as well as whales. In addition, seals from the Jan-Mayen and White Sea herds are still hunted. In summer, transport ships sail in these waters, but in a number of areas, the assistance of icebreakers is required for their passage. On land, these zones correspond to the tundra in the northern hemisphere and the tundra-meadow zone, otherwise called the oceanic meadow zone, in the southern hemisphere.

Temperate zones occupy large areas in both hemispheres. The water temperature is positive all year round (up to 12-15°C in summer, up to 5-8°C in winter), so there is no sea ice, with the exception of inland waters (for example, in the Baltic Sea), but there are icebergs. Salinity is 34 - 35% 0, there is enough oxygen. These are areas of westerly winds and currents. Winter cooling of surface water and an increase in its density causes significant vertical mixing and enrichment of the surface layers with nutrients. With sufficient heat in winter, this leads to intensive development of life (an abundance of individuals with a moderate number of species). Temperate zones are rich in fish (herring, cod, hake, navaga, saury, salmon, etc.). But since there is already a pronounced temperature jump layer here, especially in summer, and above and below it there are different temperatures and, accordingly, environmental conditions, then in these layers there are different types of fish, for example, tuna in the upper warm water can swim to Great Britain. The commercial importance of these zones is great; both bottom-dwelling and pelagic fish are caught. The most important international shipping lines pass through the waters of this belt in the northern hemisphere. When navigating, one has to take into account currents, frequent storms, fogs, and icebergs. On land in

In the oceanic sectors of the continents, forests correspond to these belts.

Subtropical zones- These are strips at the latitude of the Sargasso and Mediterranean seas and the southern tips of Africa and Australia. In these zones, the temperature is high all year round (8-10° lower in winter than in summer), the temperature jump layer is well defined, salinity is high - 37% o, and there is little oxygen. The waters are poor in nutrients, as their subsidence predominates. There is less plankton and, accordingly, fish and other organisms. The scale of fishing is modest: sardines, horse mackerel, mackerel, and tuna are caught, but mollusks and crustaceans are fished. On land, these zones correspond to the subtropics of the Mediterranean on the western coasts and deciduous forests on the eastern coasts.

Tropical zones wide, these are zones of trade winds, trade wind currents. Water temperatures are above 20 °C all year round, with the exception of narrow strips of coastal upwelling. The layer of temperature jump is clearly expressed, therefore there are significant temperature contrasts in depth, salinity is 36-37% 0, there is little oxygen in the water. There are few nutrients, and therefore plankton, the water is clear, blue, and the blue color of sea water is the color of the “sea desert”. Life in the sea is quantitatively relatively poor, but there is a wide variety of southern fish and other animals. Since there is not enough food in these belts, fish swim long distances in search of it. The only means of escape from predators is speed (up to 60 km/h). Therefore, the sharks that live here (they are mainly predators), mackerel, tuna, flying fish, sailfish, swordfish, etc. are excellent swimmers and have a muscular body. Due to the fact that the water in the tropics is oversaturated with carbonates, many mollusks and coral polyps build their internal skeleton and shells from it, while organogenic limestones gradually accumulate at the bottom. These belts have rich fisheries for mollusks and crustaceans. In coastal upwelling zones, life is richer (anchovy, etc.). In the past, this was a classic sailing area. On land, these zones correspond to zones of tropical deserts and savannas.

Equatorial belt- a narrow strip between the North and South trade wind currents, corresponding to the equatorial inter-trade wind countercurrent. It is associated with the rise of deep waters and the enrichment of the upper layers with nutrients. The water temperature is high all year round, but the layer of warm water is small - only 20 - 50 m; below there is a layer of temperature jump. In that

The belt has a diverse and vibrant life; the number of species in the seas of the Sunda archipelago, for example, is a hundred times greater than in the Arctic seas. At the bottom of the ocean, in the coral “shelter buildings,” there are many clumsy “sedentary” fish, like rock bass. “Flashes” of life are observed near the mouths of rivers - the Amazon, Niger, etc., as the rivers carry out nutrients. Due to the abundance of phyto- and zooplankton and suspended matter, the water is very turbid, so there are few predator fish and many juveniles, which are safe here. The main commercial fish are tuna, swordfish, sardines, and mackerel. But trawl fishing is difficult because of the reefs. Fishing objects also include sea turtles, corals, pearl shells, and sponges. In mangroves on low coasts up to a width of

50 km there are a lot of mollusks and crustaceans. On land, this belt corresponds to equatorial forests.

The named ocean belts are located somewhat asymmetrically relative to the equator: in the southern hemisphere they are shifted to the north. Moreover, due to the fact that in the southern hemisphere the influence of the continents is small, zonality in the ocean is more pronounced than in the northern hemisphere.

The identification of natural zones in the Ocean is not only of scientific interest, complementing the picture of the physical-geographical zonation of the globe. Like any natural zoning, it has practical significance, since it identifies areas that are promising for the development of fishing and other industries.

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest and youngest ocean on Earth, distinguished by its unique topography and natural features.

The best resorts are located on its shores, and the richest resources are hidden in its depths.

History of the study

Long before our era, the Atlantic was an important trade, economic and military route. The ocean was named after the ancient Greek mythological hero - Atlas. It was first mentioned in the writings of Herodotus.

Christopher Columbus's voyages

Over the course of many centuries, new straits and islands were opened, and disputes were fought over maritime territory and ownership of the islands. But he still discovered the Atlantic, leading the expedition and discovering most of the geographical objects.

Antarctica, and at the same time the southern border of sea waters, was discovered by Russian researchers F.F. Bellingshausen and M.P. Lazarev.

Characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean

The ocean area is 91.6 million km². It, like the Pacific Ocean, washes 5 continents. The volume of water in it is slightly more than a quarter of the World Ocean. It has an interesting elongated shape.

The average depth is 3332 m, the maximum depth is in the Puerto Rico Trench area and is 8742 m.

The maximum water salinity reaches 39% (Mediterranean Sea), in some areas 37%. There are also the most fresh areas with an indicator of 18%.

Geographical position

The Atlantic Ocean washes the shores of Greenland in the north. From the west it touches the eastern coasts of North and South America. In the south there are established borders with the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet here

They are determined along the meridian of Cape Agulhas and Cape Horn, respectively, reaching all the way to the glaciers of Antarctica. In the east, the waters wash Eurasia and Africa.

Currents

Cold currents coming from the Arctic Ocean have a strong influence on water temperature.

Warm currents are trade winds that influence waters near the equator. It is here that the warm Gulf Stream originates, passing through the Caribbean Sea, which makes the climate of the coastal countries of Europe much warmer.

The cold Labrador Current flows along the coast of North America.

Climate and climate zones

The Atlantic Ocean extends to all climate zones. The temperature regime is strongly influenced by westerly winds, trade winds and monsoons in the equator region.

In the tropical and subtropical zones, the average temperature is 20°C; in winter it drops to 10°C. In the tropics, heavy precipitation prevails throughout the year, while in the subtropics it falls to a much greater extent in the summer. Temperatures drop significantly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Inhabitants of the Atlantic Ocean

Among the flora in the Atlantic Ocean, kelp, corals, red and brown algae are widespread.

There are also more than 240 species of phytoplankton and countless species of fish, the most prominent representatives of which are: tuna, sardines, cod, anchovies, herring, perch (sea bass), halibut, haddock.

Among mammals, you can find several species of whales, the most common being the blue whale. The ocean waters are also inhabited by octopuses, crustaceans, and squids.

The flora and fauna of the ocean is much poorer than that of the Pacific. This is due to their relatively young age and less favorable temperature conditions.

Islands and peninsulas

Some islands were formed as a result of the rise of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above sea level, such as the Azores and the Tristan da Cunha archipelago.

Tristan da Cunha Island

The most famous and mysterious are Bermuda.

Bermuda

On the territory of the Atlantic Ocean there are: Caribbean, Antilles, Iceland, Malta (state on the island), o. St. Helena - there are 78 of them in total. The Canary Islands, Bahamas, Sicily, Cyprus, Crete and Barbados have become favorite places for tourists to visit.

Straits and seas

The waters of the Atlantic include 16 seas, among which the most famous and largest are: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Sargasso.

Caribbean Sea meets Atlantic Ocean

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the ocean waters with the Mediterranean Sea.

The Strait of Magellan (which runs along Tierra del Fuego and is distinguished by a large number of sharp rocks) and the Drake Passage open into the Pacific Ocean.

Features of nature

The Atlantic Ocean is the youngest on Earth.

A significant part of the waters extends in the tropics and temperate zones, so the animal world is represented in all its diversity, both among mammals and among fish and other sea creatures.

The diversity of plankton species is not great, but only here its biomass per 1 m³ can be so great.

Bottom relief

The main feature of the relief is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, whose length is more than 18,000 km. For a large extent from both sides of the ridge, the bottom is covered with basins that have a flat bottom.

There are also small underwater volcanoes, some of which are active. The bottom is cut by deep gorges, the origin of which is still not precisely known. However, due to age, the relief formations that predominate in other oceans are much less developed here.

Coastline

In some parts the coastline is slightly indented, but the coast there is quite rocky. There are several large water areas, for example, the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Guinea.

Gulf of Mexico

In the area of North America and the eastern coasts of Europe there are many natural bays, straits, archipelagos and peninsulas.

Minerals

Oil and gas production is carried out in the Atlantic Ocean, which accounts for a decent share of global mineral production.

Also on the shelves of some seas, sulfur, ore, precious stones and metals important for global industry are mined.

Ecological problems

In the 19th century, whale hunting was widespread among sailors in these places for their oil and bristles. As a result, their number was sharply reduced to critical levels, and there is now a ban on whaling.

The waters are heavily polluted due to the use and release of:

a huge amount of oil into the Gulf in 2010;
industrial waste;
city garbage;
radioactive substances from stations, poisons.

This not only pollutes the water, deteriorates the biosphere and kills all life in the water, but has exactly the same effect on environmental pollution in cities and the consumption of products containing all these substances.

Types of economic activities

The Atlantic Ocean accounts for 4/10 of the fishing volume. It is through it that a huge number of shipping routes pass (the main ones are directed from Europe to North America).

The routes passing through the Atlantic Ocean and the seas located in it lead to the largest ports of great importance in import and export trade. Oil, ore, coal, wood, products and raw materials of the metallurgical industry, and food products are transported through them.

On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean there are many world tourist cities that attract large numbers of people every year.

Interesting facts about the Atlantic Ocean

The most interesting of them:

Conclusion

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest, but by no means less significant. It is an important source of minerals, the fishing industry, and the most important transport routes pass through it. To briefly summarize, it is worth paying attention to the enormous damage to the ecological and organic component of ocean life caused by humanity.