The correct answer to the question "Which of the following is NOT an ocean covering the surface of the Earth?" is "Antarctic."
Here's why:
1. Southern Ocean: The Southern Ocean is recognized as the ocean that surrounds Antarctica. It is located in the southern hemisphere and is known for its role in influencing the climate of the region.
2. Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering a vast area between Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. It is characterized by its warm waters and diverse marine life.
3. Pacific Ocean: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering a vast area between Asia, Australia, North and South America. It is known for its vastness and its many island chains, such as Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands.
4. Antarctic: Antarctica is not an ocean; it is a continent covered in ice and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. While the Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica, Antarctica itself is not classified as an ocean but as a continent.
Therefore, out of the options provided, "Antarctic" is not an ocean covering the surface of the Earth.
