The third largest ocean in the world is occupied by the Indian Ocean. It is inferior to the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The Indian Ocean stretches over an area equal to 74,917 thousand square meters. km. Most of it is located in the Southern Hemisphere. The average depth mark is 3897 m. Fewer seas are distinguished in this ocean than in others. The largest seas are located in the northern regions. Ancient Greek explorers knew only the western part of the ocean. They designated it as the Eritrean Sea. In the future, the ocean received its name thanks to the most famous country in antiquity located on its shores - India.
Many famous islands: Socotra, Madagascar, Maldives - are considered the remaining pieces of the ancient continents. In the Indian Ocean there are islands of volcanic origin: Nicobar, Andaman, Christmas Island, etc. Madagascar is a very large island.
Climatic conditions
The Indian Ocean coast is heavily influenced by the monsoons. The northern part of the ocean is located in the tropics, subequatorial and equatorial latitudes. The water in those places warms up very well. The bays and seas are warm there. In the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, the water temperature reaches +35 degrees. Land has an impact on the ocean climate. In the summer months, there is low pressure over the coast and high over the ocean. During this period, a wet monsoon blows from the ocean. In winter, air moves from land to the ocean. In the northern region of the Indian Ocean, there are 2 seasons: a sunny, dry, quiet winter and a stormy, rainy, hot summer. Hurricanes form in the west of the ocean. They are causing immense destruction on the southern shores of Asia. In the south of the Indian Ocean it is rather cold, as Antarctica is located nearby. Surface waters in those places have a temperature of -1 degrees.
Fauna and flora
The Indian Ocean map shows that its waters are located in the tropical belt. The nature there pleases the eye with corals. Together with green and red algae, corals form islands where sea urchins, crabs, sponges, etc. live. The Indian Ocean is also located in the temperate zone. The flora and fauna are very rich there. There are vast areas in the water where thickets of algae have formed. Of the animals in the waters of the ocean, there are many invertebrates, root crustaceans and mammals. Fishing in the Indian Ocean has not received much development. Only tuna fishing is of industrial importance. Pearls are mined in many parts of the ocean.
