Without the ocean, life as we know it wouldn't be possible These waves crash on the beach, waking you in the morning and lulling you to sleep at night There are a number of key reasons why
First, the ocean is the largest source of oxygen on earth Photo by jayne doucette ©woods hole oceanographic institution a trip to the ocean means sun, wind, and waves According to scientists, approximately half of the planet's oxygen production originates from the sea
Within this depth, sunlight penetrates. Discover the ocean learning hub—your gateway to trusted ocean science content Easily explore by topic, media type, grade level, and educational standards. Explore how the ocean shapes life on earth
It sustains us, surprises us, and holds mysteries we're only beginning to understand Dive into key topics here. Incredible diversity exists in the ocean, from microscopic organisms to the largest animals on earth. Understanding how the ocean works is foundational to understanding life on this planet and to the discipline of oceanography
Its cycles, circulation, zones, and connection to the atmosphere Learn about ocean chemistry, life and landscapes on the seafloor, plate movements, shorelines, and icy regions. Dive in and find answers to your deepest ocean questions Why is the ocean blue
Get the facts and increase your ocean knowledge. The ocean water column is made up of five zones The sunlight (epipelagic), twilight (mesopelagic), midnight (bathypelagic), abyssal (abyssopelagic) and hadal zones (trenches). The ocean is a vast and critical reservoir that supports a diversity of life, helps regulate climate, provides a large amount of the planet’s oxygen, and stores an abundance of carbon dioxide
Surf crashing off katama's south beach