Glossary

Deutsch: Pazifischer Ozean / Español: Océano Pacífico / Português: Oceano Pací­fico / Français: Océan Pacifique / Italiano: Oceano Pacifico

The Pacific (Pacific Ocean) is the largest ocean on earth (165.25 million km²). It extends from the Arctic in the north to Antarctica in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.

The hydrosphere covers about 46% of the Earth's water surface and about one-third of its total surface area, making it larger than all of the Earth's land area combined.

The equator subdivides it in some definitions into the North Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, with two exceptions: the Galapagos and Gilbert Islands (both belongs by definition completely to the South Pacific.

The Mariana Trench (German: Marianengraben) in the western North Pacific is the deepest point in the world, reaching a depth of 10,911 metres.

Description

In the maritime context, the term 'Pacific' refers to the Pacific Ocean, the largest and deepest ocean on Earth. It spans from the Arctic to the Antarctic and is bordered by various continents, including North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. The Pacific Ocean is known for its vast size, covering approximately 63.8 million square miles and holding more than half of the world's ocean water. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and fish. Its currents, such as the North Pacific Current and the South Equatorial Current, play a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns. The Pacific is also significant for international trade and transportation, with major shipping routes passing through its waters.

Bordering countries

Here is a list of all the countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, starting from the north and moving clockwise:

1. Russia
2. United States (Alaska)
3. Canada
4. United States (Pacific Coast: Washington, Oregon, California)
5. Mexico
6. Guatemala
7. El Salvador
8. Honduras
9. Nicaragua
10. Costa Rica
11. Panama
12. Colombia
13. Ecuador
14. Peru
15. Chile

Moving northward along the western Pacific coastline:

16. New Zealand

Starting from the northernmost part of Asia and moving clockwise:

17. Russia (again, for its eastern coastline bordering the Pacific)
18. Japan
19. North Korea
20. South Korea
21. China
22. Taiwan
23. Philippines
24. Brunei
25. Malaysia (Borneo)
26. Indonesia
27. East Timor (Timor-Leste)
28. Papua New Guinea

Moving through the Pacific islands (with some larger regions and territories):

29. Australia (Eastern Coast)
30. Solomon Islands
31. New Caledonia (territory of France)

Continuing through the Pacific islands towards Southeast Asia:

34. Indonesia (Western coast of New Guinea and other islands)
35. Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia)
36. Singapore
37. Vietnam
38. Thailand
39. Cambodia

Returning to the eastern shores of the Pacific:

40. Myanmar
41. Bangladesh (through the Bay of Bengal, indirectly connected)
42. India (Eastern Coast)
43. Sri Lanka (Island nation close to the eastern coast of India)

This comprehensive list covers the major nations and territories bordering the Pacific Ocean, ordered clockwise starting from the north.

There are several countries that are located in the Pacific Ocean but were not mentioned in the above list of bordering countries. These countries are island nations within the Pacific and do not have coastlines bordering a continent. Here are some of them:

1. Kiribati
2. Nauru
3. Tuvalu
4. Federated States of Micronesia
5. Palau
6. Marshall Islands
7. Fiji
8. Samoa
9. Tonga
10. Vanuatu
11. Solomon Islands

These island nations are entirely situated within the Pacific Ocean and consist of multiple islands, which are often spread over large maritime areas. They play significant roles in the Pacific region's culture, economy, and geopolitics.

Treatment and Risks

• Navigation challenges due to its vast size and remote locations
• Risk of extreme weather conditions, including typhoons and tsunamis
• Potential for piracy and illegal fishing activities
• Pollution from marine debris, oil spills, and chemical waste
• Threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystems

Similar Terms

• Pacific Ocean
• Pacific Rim
• West Pacific
• Eastern Pacific
• Pacific Islands

Weblinks

• environment-database.eu: 'Pacific' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Summary

In the maritime context, 'Pacific' refers to the Pacific Ocean, a vast body of water known for its size, marine life, and global significance. Despite its natural beauty and importance, the Pacific also presents various challenges and risks for navigation, environmental conservation, and marine safety.

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