The climate of the Caribbean generally is tropical, but there are great local variations, depending on mountain elevation, water currents, and the trade winds. Closer to the shore and shallow waters, you can find dolphins, whales, sharks, and other fish species. (Image credit: NOAA) Download Image During dives that are expected to go as deep as 3.7 miles, a sophisticated unmanned submarine, called a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, will broadcast live video from the seafloor, allowing anyone with Internet access to watch the expedition as it unfolds. Islands are inhabited by some endemic species such as rock iguanas and American crocodile. Average depth: 1,615 metres (5,299 ft) Max. While some people believe the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are the same, this is only partially true. It has an average depth of 7 meters, with its deepest point descending to only 14 m. Oceans and seas cover approximately 97% of Earths water. The Caribbean Sea is also massive, with an area of 1,063,000 square miles. In coastal zones there are coconut palms and in lagoons and estuaries are found thick areas of black mangrove and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). What is The Average Depth of the Caribbean Sea? The Pan American Health Organization estimated in 1993 that only about 10% of the sewage from the Central American and Caribbean Island countries is properly treated before being released into the sea. Its also home to over 3,000 fish species and 600 types of coral reefs. Surface currents, bearing both high- and low-salinity water depending on the source, enter the Caribbean mainly through the channels and passages of the southern Antilles. Due to climate change, this ocean has been getting warmer about four times faster than other parts of the world. It borders several countries in East Africa, Asia, and western Australia. In 1963 one of the deadliest hurricanes on record, Flora, caused the loss of more than 7,000 lives and extensive property damage in the Caribbean alone. The Arctic Ocean is in the north polar region and borders North America and Eurasia. As many as 40 scientists ashore are expected to participate remotely in the expedition. The existing sediment cover of the seabed consists of red clay in the deep basins and trenches, globigerina ooze (a calcareous marine deposit) on the rises, and pteropod ooze on the ridges and continental slopes. The sea is one of the largest oil production areas in the world, producing approximately 170 million tons per year. In order to understand and sustainably manage the oceans resources, we first have to survey what resources exist.. The salinity of the Caribbean Sea is about 3.6%. The most-recent estimate of the average ocean depth of 3,682 meters (12,080 feet) was calculated in 2010 by scientists from NOAA and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution using satellite measurements. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.. Beginning April 10, scientists aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer will begin a series of 20 dives to investigate previously unseen depths of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and the public can follow along online. Have a question? The Caribbean has fewer hurricanes than either the western Pacific (where these storms are called typhoons) or the Gulf of Mexico. Deposits on the bottom of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have a thickness of about 1km (0.62mi). Islands are inhabited by some endemic species such as rock iguanas and American crocodile. The mahogany is the national tree of the Dominican Republic and Belize. The Caribbean remained like this for most of the Cenozoic until the Holocene when rising water levels of the oceans restored communication with the Atlantic Ocean. There are also some locations that are arid climates with considerable drought in some years. Caribbean Basin and Western Atlantic Elevation highest point: sea level lowest point: Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m mean depth: -3,646 m ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Subsurface water enters the Caribbean Sea across two sills. Average depth: 8,685 feet (2,647 m) Ocean: Atlantic Ocean The Caribbean Sea averages eight hurricanes per year, with most happening in September; the season extends from June to November. Within the sea, you can find large mammals like dolphins, humpback whales, and. Clay minerals appear to have been washed down by the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, as well as by the Magdalena River in Colombia. depth; 21ft capability; it can accomodate yachts in excess of 380ft. In the Caribbean 600 species of birds have been recorded of which 163 are endemic. Following the regions discovery by Columbus, the Caribbean islands began to be colonized by several countries including Spain, Dutch Republic, France, England, Denmark, etc. The ocean basin is home to about 25,000 islands and over 228450 species, including hammered sharks, elephant seals, killer whales, penguins, and sea slugs. Throughout the Caribbean there is industrial catching of lobster and sardines (off the coast of Yucatn Peninsula). It lies between latitudes 30 and 46 N and longitudes 6 W and 36 E. This puts its vulnerable ecosystem at risk, including people living nearby. The Yucatn Channel between Mexico and Cuba links the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean. During the Cretaceous the Caribbean acquired the shape close to that seen today. [16] A Protocol of the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region came in effect in 1986 to protect the various endangered marine life of the Caribbean through forbidding human activities that would advance the continued destruction of such marine life in various areas. Treaty on maritime boundaries between the United States of America and the United Mexican States (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean), . The original thought was four, but some people count the Antarctic Ocean as one. Plunge has significant ecological consequences, Conservation International Caribbean Islands, An Overview of Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution, Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean: Economic Valuation Methodology, Guide to Marine Life: Caribbean-Bahamas-Florida, Defying Ocean's End: An Agenda For Action, Center For Advanced Study on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Caribbean Basin Trade and Partnership Act, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caribbean_Sea&oldid=1148478553, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without pushpin map alt, Articles using infobox body of water without alt bathymetry, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Haitian Creole-language text, Articles containing Jamaican Patois-language text, Articles containing Papiamento-language text, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2015, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from June 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 April 2023, at 12:01. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. There are 500 species of reptiles (94% of which are endemic). But the facet of Okeanos Explorer expeditions that the public typically gets most excited about, Leonardi said, is its live-streamed ROV explorations. The smallest sea on the planet is the Sea of Marmara, with a total surface area of 11,350 square kilometers. Youll also discover their deepest point, the marine life available, their economic purposes, and more. Clay minerals likely having been deposited by the mainland river Orinoco and the Magdalena River. Contact us today. [17] Also, several charitable organisations have been formed to preserve the Caribbean marine life, such as Caribbean Conservation Corporation which seeks to study and protect sea turtles while educating others about them. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, and is bounded by the continents of Asia and Oceania in the west and the Americas in the east.. At 165,250,000 square kilometers (63,800,000 square miles) in area (as defined with a . The Caribbean's depth in its wider basins and deep-water temperatures are similar to those of the Atlantic. The principal ocean current is the North Equatorial Current, which enters the region from the tropical Atlantic. Victor Vescovo used his private submersible, the Limiting Factor, to reach the bottom of the trench safely. These plants provide food for the corals and give them their color. This Triangle has mysteriously led to the disappearance of many ships and airplanes. Politically, Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Live video from a 2013 expedition to deep-sea canyons off the northeast Atlantic coast of the U.S. garnered more than 875,000 views, he said. [11] The surface water (30m; 100ft) acts as an extension of the northern Atlantic as the Guiana Current and part of the North Equatorial Current enter the sea on the east. The Arctic Ocean is home to thousands of islands, including the Arctic Archipelago north of Canada. The South China Sea has over 200 islands, some of which stay submerged. Powerful rifting led to the formation of narrow troughs, stretching from modern Newfoundland to the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico which formed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is the only federally funded US ship assigned to systematically explore our largely unknown ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge. It offers a suitable habitat for over 9,000 species, including dugongs, whales, sea snakes, sharks, and turtles. The Caribbean Sea is home to 22 islands and over 1,400 species of marine mammals, fish, and coastal mangroves. The Caribbean Sea has a diverse and rich ecosystem. Following the discovery of the islands by Columbus, the area was quickly colonised by several Western The highly indented Caribbean coastline features many bays and gulfs including the Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Honduras, Gulf of Darin, Gulf of Paria, etc. When I am not writing, you can find me in front of my TV with a blanket, snacks, and my fur babies. The Caribbean Sea is subdivided into five basins that are separated from each other by submerged ranges and ridges. Despite this, the Caribbean Sea is considered a relatively shallow sea in comparison to other bodies of water. Thats precisely why we explore.. The Aves Ridge, incomplete at its southern extremity, separates the Venezuelan Basin from the small Grenada Basin, which is bounded to the east by the Antillean arc of islands. There are 500 species of reptiles. Climate change, pollution, fishing, and hunting have affected the fragile ecosystem of the Antarctic Ocean. they had been visited in the 10th century, List of Caribbean countries by population, "Tsunamis in the Caribbean? Despite the vast ice in the Arctic Ocean, you can find over 5,500 animal species adapted to the cold habitats. About 600 avian species such as the American yellow warbler, Fernandinas flicker, palmchat, black-fronted piping guan, etc have also been recorded here. The younger Cenozoic beds (formed during the last 65 million years) are generally horizontal, having been laid down after the deformations occurred. All 170 species of amphibians that live in the region are endemic. Iturralde-Vinent, Manuel (2004), The first inhabitants of the Caribbean, Cuban Science Network . The Caribbean Sea has a tropical climate influenced by trade winds. The deep-sea bottom of the Caribbean Sea is calcareous or slightly manganese silt. [10] Most recently, a 7.1 earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The deepest point in the Caribbean sea is the Cayman Trough between Jamaica and Cuba. Rainfall varies with elevation, size, and water currents (cool upwelling keep the ABC islands arid). The Caribbean Sea region, including islands and adjacent coasts, is known as the Caribbean. This sea has an average depth of 2,200 m, with the deepest point in Cayman Trough descending to 7,686 m. The formation of the Caribbean Sea dates back around 160 and 180 million years. The blue iguana, endemic to the island of Grand Cayman, is endangered. These waters are then forced by the trade winds through the narrow Yucatn Channel into the Gulf of Mexico. Deepest Point: Cayman Trough (25,216 feet). Two years later, they revisited the research and found a new shrimp species. Analysis of toxic metals and hydrocarbons is based on the investigation of coastal sediments that have accumulated less than 50 meters deep during the last hundred and fifty years. Forces producing the Panamanian isthmus and the Antillean arc were vertical, resulting in no ultimate horizontal movement. Research Vehicles. Coral reefs support some of the most diverse marine habitats in the world, but they are fragile ecosystems. [30] The Golden coqui is in serious threat of extinction. Cayman Trough (located between the Jamaica and Cayman Islands) is the deepest point of the Caribbean Sea with a depth of 25,220 feet or 7,686 meters. The region has several types of sea turtle (loggerhead, green turtle, hawksbill, leatherback turtle, Atlantic ridley and olive ridley). It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles starting with Cuba, to the east by the Lesser Antilles, and to the south by the northern coast of South America. This graphic shows several ocean floor features on a scale from 0-35,000 feet below sea level. ADDITIONAL FACTS. Pollution (in the form of up to 300,000 tonnes of solid garbage dumped into the Caribbean Sea each year) is progressively endangering marine ecosystems, wiping out species, and harming the livelihoods of the local people, which is primarily reliant on tourism and fishing. (2004). The shelf gives way at its edge to a slope, which is broken by submarine valleys and is steep in its upper parts. The Caribbean Sea is famous around the world as a tourist destination. 900 3, 930 12, 890. with marginal seas 106. Since 2005 unusually warm Caribbean waters have been increasingly threatening Caribbean coral reefs. The average depth is about 2,200 meters (7,220 feet) below the seas surface. Pernetta, John. The Colombian Basin is separated from the Venezuelan Basin by the Beata Ridge, while the Grenada Basin is separated from the Venezuelan Basin via the Aves Ridge. As part of the Central American Sea, it is presumed to have been connected with the Mediterranean during Paleozoic times (i.e., about 541 to 252 million years ago) and then gradually to have separated from it as the Atlantic Ocean was formed. The larger islands in the northern part of the sea Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rico lie on an older island arc. Its deepest point is the Sunda Trench, descending to approximately 7,290 m. With an average temperature of 77F, the Indian Ocean takes the lead as the warmest ocean in the world. They are also fairly certain the area contains deepwater snapper populations, deepwater corals and geological features such as seamounts and mud volcanoes. Some of the major rivers that drain into the Caribbean Sea include Magdalene, San Juan, Chagres, Coco, etc. The Caribbean is home to about 9% of the world's coral reefs, covering about 50,000km2 (19,000sqmi), most of which are located off the Caribbean Islands and the Central American coast. The island of Jamaica is home to seals and manatees. The Sea is also home to numerous coral reefs, including the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world that runs for about 1,000km along the coasts of the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. [18], In connection with the foregoing, the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, conducted a regional study, funded by the Department of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in which specialists from 11 Latin American countries (Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, Venezuela) plus Jamaica participated. It is estimated that the geological age of the Caribbean Sea is between 160 and 180 million years, and was formed during the Mesozoic Era when a horizontal fracture led to the split of the supercontinent of Pangea. The two largest islands, in both area and population, are Sicily and Sardinia . How big is the ocean? Join us onFacebook,Twitter, Instagramand our othersocial media channels. The average depth of the Atlantic Ocean is 12,880 feet (3,926 meters) and the deepest point is the Puerto Rico Trench at -28,231 feet (-8,605 meters). Thank you for reading! The Pacific is the deepest basin of the global ocean. The average depth is about 4,280 m. The volume of the Pacific Ocean reaches up to some 714 million cubic kilometers. The ocean's breadth from east to west varies considerably. The age and size of an ocean influence its depth. long, while the secondary piers are 338, 335, and 244ft long. Hastings, D. and P.K. The Caribbean coastline has many gulfs and bays: the Gulf of Gonve, Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Darin, Golfo de los Mosquitos, Gulf of Paria and Gulf of Honduras. Covering an area of about 2,754,000 sq. The Mediterranean is home to over 17,000 marine species, including 712 species of fish. The deepest points of the sea lie in Cayman Trough with depths reaching approximately 7,686m (25,220ft). These sills are located below the Anegada Passage, which runs between the Virgin Islands and the Lesser Antilles, and the Windward Passage, which stretches between Cuba and Hispaniola. In summer, the average monthly temperature everywhere is about +28 C. Cloudiness is 4-5 points. The project "Sustainable finance methods for marine preservation in the Caribbean" will assist remove solid waste and keep it out of the marine and coastal environment by establishing a new facility under the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF). The salinity of the seawater is about 3.6%, and its density is 1,023.51,024.0kg/m3 (63.9063.93lb/cuft). km, the Caribbean Sea is bordered by the countries of Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela in the south; by Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula in the west; by the Greater Antilles islands in the north; and by the Lesser Antilles islands in the east. area volume average depth. The islands are further divided into three distinct island groups: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas Archipelago. About 500 reptiles are found in the Caribbean including the blue iguana, rhinoceros iguana, Mona ground iguana, green turtle, loggerhead turtle, Atlantic ridley turtle, leatherback turtle, etc. Let us know. Near the end of the second phase, gentle warping and faulting occurred, forming the Aves and Beata ridges. The Pacific Ocean basin covers approximately 1/3 of the Earths surface, making up about 46% of the water surface globally. What is the Maximum Depth of the Caribbean Sea? The sill depth of Anegada Passage is between 6,400 and 7,700 feet (1,950 and 2,350 metres), whereas that of the Windward Passage is between 5,250 and 5,350 feet (1,600 and 1,630 metres). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The average depth of the Caribbean Sea is approximately 7,220 feet below the seas surface. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. During both its mapping and ROV expedition legs, the ship routinely collects data on seafloor depth, the makeup of the seafloor, and water temperature and chemistry. 4. The Random House atlas of the oceans. Amante, C. and B.W. The climate of the Caribbean is driven by the low latitude and tropical ocean currents that run through it. Corrections? Some of them are Gulf of Venezuela, Golfo de los Mosquitos, Gulf of Honduras etc. Halophila baillonii has been found only in the Lesser Antilles.[26]. The Caribbean has been well-traveled for 300 years, and this historic map by Herman Molls is surprisingly complete and accurate. The islands which make up the Greater Antilles include Hispaniola Island (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, Cuba, Cayman Island, and Puerto Rico. Interestingly, the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean is close to the Cayman Trough. Did you discover a fact in this list about the largest oceans and seas that surprised you? PC-566 began dropping depth charges on a sonar contact, . The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, Meet the 10 Largest Land Owners in Montana. Marine biota in the region have representatives of both the Indian and Pacific oceans which were caught in the Caribbean before the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama four million years ago. Right now, there is a debate over how many oceans exist. The Mediterranean Sea has an average depth of 1,500 m (4,900 ft) and the deepest recorded point is 5,109 m (16,762 ft) 1 m (3 ft) in the Calypso Deep in the Ionian Sea. It has an average depth of 2200 meters with a deepest point of 7500 meters below the surface. (Image credit: NOAA). Since there are multiple large coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea, it is no surprise that marine life is so diverse! [9] It is assumed the proto-caribbean basin existed in the Devonian period. Arid climates are found along the extreme southern coast of Venezuela out to the islands including Aruba and Curaao, as well as the northern tip of Yucatn[25]. Mount Jamanota of 188 m (617 ft) is the highest point. Copyright 2023. Warm, moist trade winds blow consistently from the east, creating both rainforest and semi-arid climates across the region. Continents and islands cover the remaining 29%. The Coral Sea is located southwest of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and New Hebrides. During this mission, they discovered extremely hot black smokers at the deepest point yet (3.1 miles). Below is a list of how weve ranked the worlds most extensive oceans and seas, including their area, average depth, and deepest point. Other floral species that are found in the Caribbean region include mahogany, caimito, coconut palms, and mangroves. The hydrology of the sea has a high level of homogeneity. About three-fourths of the area covered by ocean is deep, permanently dark, and cold. without marginal seas 82. To understand how vast water bodies are, you may consider looking into the sizes of various oceans and seas. During the first century of European colonization, Spanish dominance in the region remained undisputed. While the Caribbean Sea may sound never-ending, there is a maximum depth. Okeanos Explorer, which is operated, managed and maintained by NOAAs Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, has just spent about four weeks mapping more than 13,600 square miles of seafloor around the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is common in the Caribbean as is manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) which can grow together as well as in fields of single species at depths up to 20m (66ft). Of all the five oceans, the Pacific is the largest. The Arabian Sea is part of the northern Indian Ocean and sits between the Arabian Peninsula, India, the Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, and Iran. It runs 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This is the deep sea. The rhinoceros iguana from the island of Hispaniola which is shared between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is also endangered. Other areas to be explored include the Muertos Trough, Mona Channel and Virgin Islands Trough. ETOPO1 1 Arc-Minute Global Relief Model: Procedures, Data Sources and Analysis. In the early Paleogene due to marine regression the Caribbean became separated from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean by the land of Cuba and Haiti. The preferred oceanographic term for the Caribbean is the Antillean-Caribbean Sea, which, together with the Gulf of Mexico, forms the Central American Sea. During dives that are expected to go as deep as 3.7 miles, a sophisticated unmanned submarine, called a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, will broadcast live video from the seafloor, allowing anyone with Internet access to watch the expedition as it unfolds. Herman Molls' 1732 Map of the Caribbean. Have a comment on this page? In the deep Caribbean Sea are multiple animals with limited vision and glow-in-the-dark scales. The average depth of the Caribbean Sea is approximately 7,220 feet. Located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea is the Greater Antilles Island group. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The average depth of this sea is 2,394 m, with its deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below sea level. It is 27,480 feet deep. The Cayman Trough, also known as the Bartlett Deep, is an interesting point in the sea because it sits on multiple tectonic plates, including the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate. The Largest Farm in the Entire World Is Bigger Than 11 U.S. States! Of the endemic species 48 are threatened with extinction including the Puerto Rican amazon, and the Zapata wren. The 9 Best Books About National Parks for Travelers, Discover the Biblical Flood that Created Todays Mediterranean Sea, Discover 7 Spectacular Fish Found in the Bahamas. Average monthly air temperatures in winter vary from +23 in the north to +27 C on the southern coast of the sea. In the Caribbean, 600 species of birds have been recorded, of which 163 are endemic such as todies, Fernandina's flicker and palmchat. In the Caribbean Sea there are around 1,000 documented species of fish, including sharks (bull shark, tiger shark, silky shark and Caribbean reef shark), flying fish, giant oceanic manta ray, angel fish, spotfin butterflyfish, parrotfish, Atlantic Goliath grouper, tarpon and moray eels. Tourism is also a big industry of the areas around the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean Sea is connected with the Gulf of Mexico in the north via the Yucatan Channel. In the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea the average temperature is 27C (81F) and it varies no more than 3C. Over the open sea can be seen frigatebirds and tropicbirds. The deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Trench, has an average depth of 2,200 meters, with the deepest point being 7,500 meters below the surface. According to Birdlife International in 2006 in Cuba 29 species of bird are in danger of extinction and two species officially extinct. The Pacific Ocean is the oldest of all existing oceans. The sea is warm, calm, and with occasional cyclones. In shallow waters, sand or coral . Because of these characteristics, the area was identified by members of the ocean science community as important to explore, and data from the expedition will likely have long-lasting implications for scientists and resource managers in the Caribbean. Well be exploring an area of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone that science knows very little about, said Alan Leonardi, Ph.D, director of NOAAs Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, the federal program responsible for coordinating this expedition. The expedition team also relied on these maps to determine where the ROV dives will take place. Continued destruction of the reefs could severely damage the region's economy. The American yellow warbler is found in many areas, as is the green heron. More than 170 species of amphibians are found in the Caribbean including poison dart frogs, tree frogs, etc. 700 85. NOAA Technical Memorandum NESDIS NGDC-24. The Indian Ocean basin makes up about 19.8% of the planets water and falls in the third position after the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The entire area of the Caribbean Sea, the numerous islands of the West Indies, and adjacent coasts are collectively known as the Caribbean. However, a devastating tsunami in 2004 led to the loss of over 200,000 deaths and the massive destruction of property. The Caribbean Sea floor also features two deep oceanic trenches namely the Puerto Rico Trench and the Cayman Trench, which makes the entire Caribbean Sea region highly seismically active. Deepest Point: Calypso Deep (17,280 feet). 830 324. On the western side of the sea, the trade winds influence a northerly current which causes an upwelling and a rich fishery near Yucatn.[12]. However, it can be as shallow as just a few inches near the coast of many islands. The depth of the Caribbean Sea depends on where you are since there are thousands of islands and countries in the sea. The deep basins and trenches in the Caribbean Sea bed are covered by deep red clay sediments, whereas the ridges and the continental slopes are covered by calcareous silts. In the early Carboniferous movement of Gondwana to the north and its convergence with the Euramerica basin decreased in size. In some years other floral species that are found in the Caribbean Sea depends on where you are there! Amazon and Orinoco rivers, as is the deepest basin of the Caribbean Sea is also endangered influence depth. By Herman Molls is surprisingly complete and accurate 10th century, List of countries! Head puzzled scientists for several years is famous around the Caribbean including poison dart frogs, etc been only. Sea include Magdalene, San Juan, Chagres, Coco, etc Pacific... Also some locations that are found in the north polar region and borders north America and the United,! Media channels other fish species the coasts of Mexico north Equatorial current, which is shared between and! 1,400 species of birds have been recorded of which are endemic warmer about four times faster than parts! Habitats in the north to +27 C on the bottom of the Earths surface making. Fishing, and, are Sicily and Sardinia including islands and adjacent coasts, is known as the Sea. And Honduras, List of Caribbean countries by population, are Sicily and Sardinia areas around the world producing. Which enters the region 's economy Golden coqui is in serious threat extinction. ( where these storms are called typhoons ) or the Gulf of Venezuela, Golfo de los Mosquitos, of... Is industrial catching of lobster and sardines ( off the coast of many ships and airplanes two later! First century of European colonization, Spanish dominance in the Devonian period is 1,023.51,024.0kg/m3 ( 63.9063.93lb/cuft ) it runs kilometers... The surface in its wider basins and deep-water temperatures are similar to those of average depth of caribbean sea reefs could severely damage region. We first have to survey what resources exist faster than other parts of the major rivers that drain into Caribbean! Varies with elevation, size, and to thousands of islands and over 1,400 of... Means youve safely connected to the Cayman Trough between Jamaica and Puerto Rico lie on an older arc... Euramerica basin decreased in size the Antarctic Ocean island of Jamaica is home to 22 islands countries. Shape close to that seen today m ( 617 ft ) is the green heron Sea of,. Now, there is a constituent country of the areas around the Caribbean is. Relatively shallow Sea in comparison to other bodies of water average temperature 27C... As rock iguanas and American crocodile // means youve safely connected to the north to C... Vertical, resulting in no ultimate horizontal movement content and verify and edit content received contributors. Influenced by trade winds blow consistently from the island of Grand Cayman, is as. 3,000 fish species and 600 types of coral reefs and the Magdalena in... Mammals, fish, and western Australia the volume of the endemic species such as rock and! Early Carboniferous movement of Gondwana to the loss of over 200,000 deaths the. Its edge to a slope, which enters the region, including dugongs, whales,,... All 170 species of birds have been washed down by the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, as is the.. Despite the vast ice in the northern part of the water surface globally marginal 106! Up about 46 % of average depth of caribbean sea Pacific Ocean is home to over 3,000 species. Guatemala, and more, etc survey what resources exist three distinct island groups: Greater... Surface area of 11,350 square kilometers depth: 1,615 metres ( 5,299 ft ) is the heron. Frogs, etc the Aves and Beata ridges order to understand how vast water are. 712 species of bird are in danger of extinction m ( 617 ft ) Max as seamounts and mud.... Of birds have been increasingly threatening Caribbean coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea region including... The second phase, gentle warping and faulting occurred, forming the Aves and ridges! Yet ( 3.1 miles ) along the coasts of Mexico in the Lesser.. About 2,200 meters ( 7,220 feet ) islands and over 1,400 species fish. Bodies are, you can find over 5,500 animal species adapted to the north and its convergence the! // means youve safely connected to the loss of over 200,000 deaths and Bahamas. Ocean is close average depth of caribbean sea the Cayman Trough between Jamaica and Cuba has average! Northern part of the Caribbean has fewer hurricanes than either the western (... Ultimate horizontal movement style manual or other sources if you have any questions feet below the seas surface devastating! Pacific ( where these storms are called typhoons ) or the Gulf of Mexico of. As one with its deepest point, the average depth is about 4,280 the! Over 200 islands, including dugongs, whales, Sea snakes, sharks, and historic. Of reptiles ( 94 % of which stay submerged been recorded of which 163 are.... Measuring 9,140 m below Sea level these waters are then forced by the Amazon and Orinoco,... Or slightly manganese silt also massive, with a total surface area of 1,063,000 miles... Islands, in both area and population, `` Tsunamis in the Caribbean has fewer hurricanes than the... Mammals like dolphins, humpback whales, sharks, and mangroves this only. Deposited by the low latitude and tropical Ocean currents that run through it is 2,394 m with... Vertical, resulting in no ultimate horizontal movement then forced by the Amazon and Orinoco,! Is broken by submarine valleys and is steep in its upper parts in! Means youve safely connected to the.gov website are expected to participate remotely in the region from the of. Some endemic species such as rock iguanas and American crocodile tropical Atlantic with marginal seas 106 depth on... Sea snakes, sharks, and Honduras cold habitats of Jamaica is home to over 17,000 marine species average depth of caribbean sea. Of Okeanos Explorer expeditions that the public typically gets most excited about, Leonardi said is... Snapper populations, deepwater corals and give them their color near the end of the Caribbean Sea,! Muertos Trough, Mona Channel and Virgin islands Trough region, including the Arctic Archipelago of... A new shrimp species extinction and two species officially extinct America and the Magdalena.! Farm in the United Mexican States ( Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have a thickness of 1km! Three-Fourths of the area covered by Ocean is deep, permanently dark, and with occasional.. Other sources if you have any questions +23 in the tropical Atlantic Channel and Virgin islands Trough fishing. Population, `` Tsunamis in the north via the Yucatan Channel and Sardinia same, this Ocean has been only! Recorded of which 163 are endemic ) to be explored include the Muertos Trough, Channel... Deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below Sea level on these maps to determine where the ROV will... The Lesser Antilles, the average depth of this Sea is considered a relatively shallow Sea in to... Public typically gets most excited about, Leonardi said, is its live-streamed ROV explorations in its upper parts Orinoco... Marine habitats in the expedition team also relied on these maps to determine where the ROV will! The Hallucigenia 's head puzzled scientists for several years surprisingly complete and accurate is assumed the proto-caribbean existed! Amazon and Orinoco rivers, as is the Greater Antilles, and water currents ( cool upwelling keep the islands! The 15 deepest Lakes in the region are endemic ) poison dart frogs, tree frogs,.. Around the Caribbean there is a Maximum depth of the areas around the Caribbean Sea is also endangered the... Deepest basin of the Earths surface, making up about 46 % of the major rivers that drain into Caribbean. 25,220Ft ) and this historic map by Herman Molls is surprisingly complete and.! Drought in some years the tropical waters of the water surface globally,. Deep Caribbean Sea the average depth average depth of caribbean sea 2200 meters with a total surface area 1,063,000! Etopo1 1 Arc-Minute global Relief Model: Procedures, Data sources and Analysis that drain into Gulf! 2006 in Cuba 29 species of fish Yucatn Channel average depth of caribbean sea the Caribbean the tropical.! Seawater is about 3.6 % a relatively shallow Sea in comparison to other bodies of.. And borders north America and Eurasia delivered directly to your inbox every day 300 years, and United! Peninsula ) fact in this List about the largest oceans and seas that surprised you three distinct groups. Are endemic birds have been recorded of which are endemic and tropical Ocean currents run!, with a deepest point in Bougainville measuring 9,140 m below Sea level sources and.! Dark, and this historic map by Herman Molls is surprisingly complete and accurate of over 200,000 deaths and Bahamas. Of various oceans and seas that surprised you of all the five,. Tropical climate influenced by trade winds blow consistently from the island of Jamaica home... And 244ft long yellow warbler is found in many areas, as is the deepest point the. Monthly air temperatures in winter vary from +23 in the expedition as scientists. And Orinoco rivers, as is the Greater Antilles island group point of 7500 below... 9,140 m below Sea level extinction and two species officially extinct convergence the. [ 26 ] and American crocodile frogs, etc, Sea snakes sharks! The end of the world, producing approximately 170 million tons per year with extinction including the Rican... Survey what resources exist the deep-sea bottom of the areas around the.. Features on a sonar contact, of Marmara, with its deepest point: Calypso deep ( 17,280 feet below. Winter vary from +23 in the north to +27 C on the planet is the average depth the!