The obvious answer would be the size, but what are the defining limits
2007-02-14 03:40:41 · 7 answers · asked by theearlof87 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Although the terms "ocean" and "sea" are often used interchangeably, a sea is generally considered to be smaller than an ocean.
One definition of "ocean" is: a great body of interconnecting salt water that covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface. There are four major oceans - Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. However, some sources do not include the Arctic Ocean, calling it a marginal sea.
The term "sea" is often assigned to saltwater areas on the margins of oceans, such as the Mediterranean Sea situated beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Basically:
The ocean is the entire body of salt water that covers more than 70 percent of the earth's surface.
A sea is a relatively large body of salt water completely or partially enclosed by land.
2007-02-14 05:19:06 · answer #1 · answered by ethel k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. The only difference is in the name. Some seas are nearly as big as the oceans.
2007-02-14 03:46:31 · answer #2 · answered by Bunts 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Size.
2007-02-14 03:47:56 · answer #3 · answered by oldmanwitastick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll go for the obvious - Oceans are bigger. There's no real criteria as to when one becomes the other
2007-02-14 03:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by kinvadave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sea of water is smaller than an ocean. like the red sea, mediteranian sea....you cant call it the pacific sea....see? ha
2007-02-14 03:48:11 · answer #5 · answered by dave k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is the size there are no defining limits.
2007-02-14 03:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by Emilee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read my lips.. the size.
2007-02-14 03:48:57 · answer #7 · answered by Kalooka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋