Warmest Ocean in the World [What & Why]

The warmest ocean in the world is the Indian Ocean. The Search Results National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded the highest long term ocean temperature for the Indian ocean with an average surface water temperature ranging from 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

As per the study by NOAA and NASA, the cause of rising temperatures on the oceans is due to global warming. The oceans capture around 90% of the heat generated by the greenhouse effect which makes it hotter day by day.

Another reason is that the ocean has no Arctic contact which makes it comparatively warmer than other oceans.

Warmest Ocean in the World

More facts about the warmest ocean in the world:

  • The Indian Ocean got its name as the “Indian Ocean” from approximately 1515. Before that, it was called the “Eastern Ocean.
  • The ocean is named after India as it coasts most of its northern border.
  • The Indian Ocean is bordered by Africa, Asia, and Australia from three sides towards the equator and the Southern Ocean from the south.
Area70,560,000 sq km
Percentage of total ocean area19.5
Average depth3741 meters
Maximum depth7906 meters
Coastline66,526 km
  • Based on the area, the Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world.
  • If the area is compared, it is around 7 times the area of the United States.
  • The Indian Ocean includes multiple seas like the Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea, Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea, Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of Malacca, Timor Sea and more.
  • Some of the major ports on the Indian Ocean are –
    • Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai (India)
    • Colombo (Sri Lanka)
    • Durban, Richards Bay (South Africa)
    • Jakarta (Indonesia)
    • Melbourne (Australia)

Note: The surface layer of an ocean is considered about 1200 feet from the top. So, the average surface temperature is not accurate due to differences in depth and a few other factors.

Since the surface temperature of the ocean is rising, there is a direct impact on marine life. The warmer temperatures on the oceans lead to more floods, droughts, storms, wildfires and many other extreme weather conditions.

That’s all about the Indian ocean, the warmest ocean in the world.
Cheers !!!

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