The term for a large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth is "ocean." Oceans make up about 71% of the Earth's surface and are divided into five main bodies: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans. These vast expanses of water play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, providing habitat for marine life, and supporting global weather patterns. Oceans are critical resources for human activities, including fishing, transportation, and tourism, and they are vital for sustaining biodiversity and ecological balance on our planet.