Pacific Ocean: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Why Nearly 2,000 Dead Seabirds Have Washed Up on the California Coast • Nov. 10, 2026, 5:03 AM ET (New York Times)

Tropical Storm Pena forms in the Pacific Ocean south of Hawaii • Nov. 6, 2026, 4:30 PM ET (AP)

US military says 5 were killed by a strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific • Oct. 27, 2026, 1:46 PM ET (AP)

Tropical Storm Vance has formed in the Pacific Ocean • Oct. 21, 2026, 5:12 PM ET (AP)

US Coast Guard rescues 16 people and searches for more after mayday call off Mexico's Baja coast • Oct. 17, 2026, 1:01 AM ET (AP)

Photos and Videos

Map of the Pacific Ocean showing depth contours in varying shades of blue, major submarine features such as trenches, ridges, and basins labeled throughout the ocean, and neighboring landmasses including Asia, Australia, North and South America. Principal cities along the Pacific rim and island groups are marked, along with international boundaries.

Steep, rugged cliffs of Big Sur, California, descend to the Pacific Ocean with mist rising along the dramatic coastline.

Rocky coastline with lush green hills at Cape Iro on the Izu Peninsula, Japan, bordered by clear blue ocean water.

Palau: rock islands

Manganese nodules

Aerial view of lush green islands surrounded by shallow turquoise water and fringing coral reefs in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, Pacific Ocean.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Satellite image of Super Typhoon Chaba over the western Pacific Ocean, showing a large swirling cloud system with a distinct eye near the center. Parts of East Asia and island chains are visible.

Graphic of the Earth with two tidal bulges. Blue arrows point to the bulges against a white background.

The impact of plastic waste on marine life

Oceanic voyages of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew, 1519–22

Follow researchers into the waters off Vancouver Island in search of the giant Pacific octopus

Sharks and Their Essential Roles in Coral Reefs

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