From the world-famous piers of Santa Monica, California to the staggering mountain vistas of Tongass National Forest, Alaska, the diversity of the Pacific Ocean’s coastline is a marvel. The ocean itself, however, is also full of wonder and unique attributes of which most beach goers are totally unaware.
Sorry, Texas—the Pacific Ocean has you beat in the size department. In fact, in addition to being the world’s largest ocean, it is home to the largest living structure on the planet: the Great Barrier Reef. Composed of over 400 species of coral and home to around 1600 species of fish—not including mollusks, starfish, and so on—the Great Barrier Reef is a true wonder of nature. To put its vibrant colors and diverse ecosystem into perspective for you, if you somehow lifted it out of the Pacific and placed it on Texas, it would cover half of the state!
Sure, the Pacific Ocean has the most sharks of any ocean, but don’t worry; there’s more room for you to utilize in your escape because it is also the largest ocean. Most people know that the Pacific Ocean is big. What most people don’t realize is how big. It covers approximately 1/3 of the Earth’s surface!
If that still isn’t enough perspective for you, consider this: you could fit every existing landmass into the Pacific Ocean and have room left over.
The world’s biggest ocean also has the most islands. That’s right, there is no shortage of tropical paradises floating in the vast expanse of endless waves. In fact, there are over 25,000 islands in the Pacific—25,000! Unfortunately, only about a third of them are inhabitable, so if you’re looking for the ultimate seclusion, you’re limited to around 8,000 options.
The Pacific Ocean has the most hurricanes of any ocean with the western Pacific being the most active. In some years, the Philippines has over twenty tropical storms hit its shores. (I know what you’re thinking: hurricanes + sharks = Sharknado. Ah, Hollywood.)
There is a “ring” around the Pacific Ocean where tectonic plates collide and cause approximately 90% of all earthquakes and 75% of all active volcanos! Unfortunately, this Ring of Fire isn’t bound by wild desire… sorry, Johnny Cash.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch from Project GreenBag on Vimeo.
The Pacific Ocean may be mighty, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. In fact, it’s in danger. There is a patch of garbage commonly referred to as The Great Pacific Garbage Patch that is the three times the size of France and growing. Mostly composed of discarded plastics, this unfathomable mass of trash threatens the health of the Pacific and the beautiful diversity of life that calls it home.
Turns out even the most massive forces on the planet sometimes need our help to survive.
What can you do? Simply learn how to better dispose of your plastic wastes and spread that knowledge to others!
The Pacific Ocean has a distinctive pull to it. It is mysterious and alluring, beautiful and captivating, and perhaps most importantly, a vital piece of the delicate ecosystem of which we are a part.
HANNA MARCUS is a beach-loving Floridian who travels the country hunting down natural wonders she’s always wanted to explore — of course, many of them are beaches. She’s a passionate writer, dog-lover, and friendly optimist who hopes to spread her love for the beach to everyone she meets.
