Question

about 71% of the earths surface is covered by oceans, which statement is false?
the average depth of the oceans (relative to sea level) is greater than the average elevation of the continents above sea level.
the arctic ocean is the smallest and shallowest ocean on the earth.
the individual oceans (atlantic, pacific, indian, etc.) on the earth are physically cut off from one another by land barriers that prevents the mixing of waters between different ocean basins.
of the ~71% of the earths surface covered by oceans, the pacific ocean consists of more than half of this area.

Explanation:

The world's oceans are interconnected. There are no complete land - barriers that prevent the mixing of waters between different ocean basins. Water can flow freely in many areas between the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, etc. oceans. The average depth of oceans (around 3682 m) is greater than the average elevation of continents (around 840 m). The Arctic Ocean is indeed the smallest and shallowest. The Pacific Ocean covers more than half of the ocean - area on Earth.

Answer:

C. The individual oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, etc.) on the earth are physically cut off from one another by land barriers that prevents the mixing of waters between different ocean basins.