Quick Bite: The Arctic vs. the World

There are many things about the Arctic Ocean that make it unique. Take a look at the bathymetric map of the Arctic to the right (credit: IBCAO) (click on it for a larger view). Bathymetry is to the oceans what topography is to land - it is how deep the sea floor is. What do you notice about the Arctic Ocean and its bathymetry? Now look at the bathymetric maps of Earth's other ocean basins below (credit: GEBCO) (click on the image for access to larger versions of each). How does the Arctic Ocean compare to other oceans? 

Link to large version of Arctic bathymetric map

Link to larger versions of global bathymetry maps