A sea is a large body of saltwater, typically connected to an ocean, while an island is a landmass completely surrounded by water. They differ in their composition (water vs. land), extent, and function within the Earth's geography.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
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Composition: A sea is primarily composed of saltwater, whereas an island is made of land (rock, soil, sand, etc.).
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Extent: Seas are expansive bodies of water; islands are comparatively smaller landmasses.
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Surroundings: A sea is typically part of or connected to a larger ocean. An island is completely encircled by water (which could be a sea, an ocean, or a lake).
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Formation: Seas are naturally occurring bodies of water formed through geological processes. Islands can be formed by various processes including volcanic activity, erosion, and the movement of tectonic plates.
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Function: Seas play a vital role in regulating global climate, supporting marine ecosystems, and facilitating transportation. Islands provide habitats for terrestrial flora and fauna and can support human populations.
In short, a sea is water, and an island is land.
