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Continent vs. Ocean: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 20, 2023
A continent is a large landmass on Earth's surface, while an ocean is a vast body of saltwater that covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface.

Key Differences

A continent is one of the several large landmasses on Earth, such as Asia or Africa, while an ocean is a vast body of saltwater that separates these continents.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Continents are home to diverse ecosystems and human populations, whereas oceans are primarily uninhabited and support marine life.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Continents are composed mainly of rocks and soil, while oceans are composed of saltwater.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
The Earth's surface is divided into seven continents and five oceans, each having unique geographical features and ecosystems.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Landmass

Body of saltwater
Composition
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Nov 20, 2023
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Inhabited by humans and diverse ecosystems

Primarily uninhabited, supports marine life
Inhabitants
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Composed of rocks and soil

Composed of saltwater
Material composition
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Nov 20, 2023

Seven in total

Five in total
Number
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Nov 20, 2023

Defined by geographical boundaries

Defined by oceanic boundaries
Boundaries
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

Continent and Ocean Definitions

Continent

A continent is one of Earth's main land areas.
Africa is a continent rich in natural resources.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
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Ocean

An ocean is a vast body of saltwater that covers a significant part of Earth's surface.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023

Continent

A continent is a large continuous landmass.
Asia is the largest continent in the world.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023

Ocean

An ocean is a source of natural resources.
The Arctic Ocean contains vast reserves of oil and gas.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023

Continent

A continent is a distinct geographical unit.
Europe is a continent with a rich cultural heritage.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023

Ocean

An ocean is a habitat for diverse marine life.
The Indian Ocean is home to a variety of fish species.
Huma Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
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Continent

A continent is divided from others by water or artificial boundaries.
North America and South America are separated by the Panama Canal.
Huma Saeed
Oct 31, 2023

Ocean

An ocean is one of the major divisions of the world's saltwater bodies.
The Atlantic Ocean separates Europe from North America.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023

Continent

A continent is part of Earth's surface.
Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023

Ocean

An ocean is integral to Earth's climate system.
The Southern Ocean plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023

Continent

One of the principal land masses of the earth, usually regarded as including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Ocean

The entire body of salt water that covers more than 70 percent of the earth's surface.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Continent

Continent The mainland of Europe. Used with the.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Ocean

Abbr. Oc. or O. Any of the principal divisions of the ocean, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.
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Oct 11, 2023

Continent

Exercising continence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Ocean

A great expanse or amount
"that ocean of land which is Russia" (Henry A. Kissinger).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

FAQs

What is a continent?

A large continuous landmass on Earth's surface.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

What is the largest continent?

Asia is the largest continent.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

How many continents are there on Earth?

There are seven continents.
Huma Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

How many oceans are there on Earth?

There are five oceans.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023

What is an ocean?

A vast body of saltwater that covers more than 70% of Earth's surface.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What are the main features of continents?

Continents have diverse ecosystems, human populations, and geographical features.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

What separates oceans?

Oceans are separated by continents and oceanic boundaries.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

Can continents and oceans change over time?

Yes, they can change due to geological and climatic processes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Are there cultural and historical connections between oceans?

Yes, oceans have played a crucial role in human history, such as in exploration and trade.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

What separates continents?

Oceans, seas, and artificial boundaries separate continents.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

What is the largest ocean?

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

What role do oceans play in Earth's climate system?

Oceans regulate global temperatures and are integral to Earth's climate system.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

What is the difference between a continent and an ocean?

A continent is a landmass, while an ocean is a body of saltwater.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

How do continents and oceans affect each other's biodiversity?

They affect each other's biodiversity through processes like migration and habitat interaction.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023

Can continents have subcontinents?

Yes, continents can have subcontinents, such as the Indian subcontinent in Asia.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

Can continents and oceans affect each other?

Yes, they interact in various ways, such as through ocean currents and land-sea interactions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

What are the main features of oceans?

Oceans support marine life, regulate climate, and contain natural resources.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023

How do humans use oceans?

Humans use oceans for transportation, fishing, and extracting natural resources.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023

Are there cultural and historical connections between continents?

Yes, continents have rich cultural and historical connections.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023

How do humans use continents?

Humans live on continents and utilize their resources for various purposes.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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