Blue Worlds: The Atlantic Ocean

The huge Atlantic is Earth's second biggest ocean. It straddles the equator, linking North and South America, Europe, and Africa, and its waters vary from the icy Baltic Sea to the warm Caribbean. Under the waves, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has helped form volcanic islands in the ocean over the course of millions of years, including Iceland and the Azores. The Atlantic provides us with a wealth of fish and other natural resources, but today it is at great risk from overfishing and pollution, as well as climate change.

The oceans make up Earth's biggest habitat. More than 70 per cent of Earth's surface is covered by oceans and seas, and they hold more than 97 per cent of Earth's water supply. Oceans drive the world's weather, provide half of the oxygen we breathe, and provide food and livelihoods for more than a billion people.

Blue Worlds explores each of the world's five oceans and major seas in detail, looking at the different features—from wildlife and weather to landscape—that make them all individual and unique. It also looks at the threats that they face, such as global warming, overfishing, and pollution.

The blue planet

Around the Atlantic

Beneath the waves

Volcanoes and islands

Winds, weather and currents

Exploring the Atlantic

Atlantic wildlife

The Sargasso Sea

Atlantic green turtles

People and transport

Riches of the Atlantic

Atlantic in danger

Future Atlantic

Atlantic facts

Glossary

Index