1.1.1 Continents & Oceans (Cambridge International AS Environmental Management)

Continents

Spec point — 1.1.1

• Continents are the main continuous expanses of land on Earth

• There are seven recognised continents:

  • North America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Oceania
  • Antarctica

Oceans

Spec point — 1.1.1

• Oceans are very large expanses of sea (saltwater)

  • They represent the main areas into which the sea is divided geographically

• There are five recognised oceans:

  • Pacific Ocean
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Indian Ocean
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Southern Ocean

A map of the world showing the seven recognised continents and five recognised oceans

• There are also many recognised seas on the planet, such as:

  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Black Sea
  • Irish Sea
  • Dead Sea
  • Caribbean Sea

• Seas are smaller areas of water than oceans and they are often partially enclosed by land