The Atlantic Ocean has an average depth of approximately 3,646 meters (11,962 feet), though some sources note a slightly higher average depth around 3,926 meters (12,880 feet) when excluding its marginal seas
. The deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean is located in the Puerto Rico Trench, which reaches a maximum depth of about 8,376 to 8,605 meters (27,480 to 28,232 feet)
. This trench lies north of Puerto Rico where the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates meet, creating the ocean’s deepest trench. The Milwaukee Deep, part of the Puerto Rico Trench, is recognized as the deepest spot in the Atlantic Ocean
. In summary:
- Average depth: ~3,646 to 3,926 meters (11,962 to 12,880 feet)
- Maximum depth (Puerto Rico Trench/Milwaukee Deep): ~8,376 to 8,605 meters (27,480 to 28,232 feet)
These depths highlight the significant variation in Atlantic Ocean bathymetry, from relatively shallow continental shelves to very deep ocean trenches
