<P> The borders of the oceans are the limits of the Earth's oceanic waters . The definition and number of oceans can vary depending on the adopted criteria . </P> <P> Though generally described as several separate oceans, the world's oceanic waters constitute one global, interconnected body of salt water sometimes referred to as the World Ocean or global ocean . This concept of a continuous body of water with relatively free interchange among its parts is of fundamental importance to oceanography . </P> <P> The major oceanic divisions are defined in part by the continents, various archipelagos, and other criteria . The principal divisions (in descending order of area) are the: Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Southern (Antarctic) Ocean . Smaller regions of the oceans are called seas, gulfs, bays, straits, and other names . </P>

Is there a line between the pacific and atlantic ocean