Determining the "cleanest" ocean is complex, as different metrics exist (plastic pollution, water clarity, air quality above the ocean). However, considering various sources, several contenders emerge.
Least Polluted Oceans:
The South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans consistently appear as the least polluted oceans regarding plastic. This is largely due to lower levels of human activity in these regions, although both do contain gyres (areas where currents converge, trapping debris). [Source: Multiple sources citing August 2018 data showing 297 billion and 491 billion plastic pieces respectively in the South Pacific and South Atlantic.]
Clearest Ocean Water:
Different sources highlight different locations for the clearest water. The Weddell Sea in Antarctica is often cited for its exceptional clarity, allowing visibility to great depths. [Source: Quora, January 2021]. The South Pacific Ocean, particularly around Tahiti, also receives mention for its exceptionally clear waters. [Source: Quora, August 2024].
Cleanest Air Above an Ocean:
The Southern Ocean boasts the cleanest air on Earth. This is attributed not only to a lack of human activity but also to the unique role of clouds and rain in cleansing the atmosphere. [Source: The Conversation, April 2024; CNET, June 2020; The Hindu, April 2024].
Conclusion:
There isn't a single "cleanest" ocean, as different factors influence this assessment. However, the South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans are consistently identified as having the least plastic pollution, while the Weddell Sea and parts of the South Pacific stand out for water clarity, and the Southern Ocean for the cleanest overlying air.
