Atlantic facts & stats

Question 1

Which warm ocean current flows from the Gulf of Mexico up the North American coast and across the Atlantic?

Accepted Answer

Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream carries warm water northeast across the Atlantic toward Europe.

Question 2

In which year did the Titanic sink in the North Atlantic?

Accepted Answer

1912. RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in April 1912 on its first voyage.

Question 3

What is the underwater mountain range running down the middle of the Atlantic?

Accepted Answer

Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge marks where tectonic plates pull apart and new seafloor forms.

Question 4

Which island nation sits on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Accepted Answer

Iceland. Iceland straddles the ridge, which is why it has so many volcanoes and hot springs.

Question 5

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean with which sea?

Accepted Answer

Mediterranean Sea. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Morocco and links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Question 6

Which North Atlantic sea is unusual for having no land coastline?

Accepted Answer

Sargasso Sea. The Sargasso Sea is defined by surrounding ocean currents rather than land, and is known for floating seaweed.

Question 7

Who made the first nonstop transatlantic flight, in 1919?

Accepted Answer

John Alcock and Arthur Brown. Alcock and Brown flew from Newfoundland to Ireland in June 1919; Lindbergh's solo flight came in 1927.

The basics