What is the largest ocean on Earth? One holds more than half the free water on the planet.

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY

More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water, according to the U.S. Geological survey and of that water, more than 96% of it is contained in one of earth's five oceans.

From the Arctic to the Southern, the five ocean basins are home to thousands of marine life and millions of square miles of water.

The smallest ocean basin on Earth is the Arctic Ocean, which has an area of approximately 6.1 million square miles, according to the National Ocean Service.

But what about the largest? Here is what you need to know about the largest ocean, plus other facts about the deep blue sea.

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What is the largest ocean?

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's ocean basins, according to the National Ocean Service. It contains more than half of the free water on Earth, spanning around 63 million square miles.

Additionally, the Pacific is the oldest of the existing ocean basins with its oldest rocks dating back to 200 million years ago.

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What is the second largest ocean in the world?

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean basin on Earth, covering an area of around 41 million square miles, according to National Ocean Service. This ocean basin makes up 20% of the Earth’s surface.

The Atlantic Ocean connects to the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, according to the National Ocean Service.

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The five ocean basins from largest to smallest

Here are the five ocean basins from largest to smallest, based on area, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

  • Pacific Ocean

  • Atlantic Ocean

  • Indian Ocean

  • Southern Ocean

  • Arctic Ocean

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the largest ocean on Earth? The size of the world's 5 oceans.

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