How many oceans are there on Earth?

Although the ocean is one enormous and interconnected body of water, it is broken up into four regions. The four ocean regions are the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic.

These oceans cover 71 percent of Earth's surface and are interconnected by a series of currents that carry water in continuous cycles throughout all of the oceans. Throughout history, their boundaries have changed and, as of 2000, some countries have recognized and named a fifth ocean. It is referred to as the Southern Ocean and extends from the Antarctic coast to the 60 degree latitude line. These boundaries have not yet been accepted by all countries but is still being considered by the International Hydrographic Organization.