Editing South Atlantic (section)

== Atlantic routes ==

The South Atlantic served as a route for movement between South America, Africa, and the wider Atlantic world. Its sea lanes supported coastal navigation, overseas trade, naval movement, fishing, undersea communication, and later modern shipping.<ref name="atlantic-history"/>

Ports on both sides of the ocean linked inland regions to maritime transport. Atlantic-facing parts of South America used the ocean for trade and resource movement, while African Atlantic ports became important for administration, supply, and regional logistics.<ref name="atlantic-coasts"/>

The ocean also supported offshore activity and long-distance communication. Atlantic shipping routes connected ports in the Americas and Africa with wider routes leading toward Europe, the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean.<ref name="atlantic-economy"/>