Without the ocean, life as we know it wouldn't be possible Learn about ocean chemistry, life and landscapes on the seafloor, plate movements, shorelines, and icy regions. There are a number of key reasons why
First, the ocean is the largest source of oxygen on earth Its cycles, circulation, zones, and connection to the atmosphere 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. Ocean acidification is a reduction in the ph of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily by an increase of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Incredible diversity exists in the ocean, from microscopic organisms to the largest animals on earth.
The sunlight (epipelagic), twilight (mesopelagic), midnight (bathypelagic), abyssal (abyssopelagic) and hadal zones (trenches). Dive in and find answers to your deepest ocean questions Why is the ocean blue Get the facts and increase your ocean knowledge.
The solubility carbon pump, which stores much larger amounts of carbon, operates on timescales in the thousands of years and is a much slower mixing process. Surf crashing off katama's south beach Photo by jayne doucette ©woods hole oceanographic institution a trip to the ocean means sun, wind, and waves These waves crash on the beach, waking you in the morning and lulling you to sleep at night
Get to know the big systems of the ocean