Without the ocean, life as we know it wouldn't be possible There are a number of key reasons why First, the ocean is the largest source of oxygen on earth According to scientists, approximately half of the planet's oxygen production originates from the sea Most of this oxygen is created in the top 200 meters (656 feet) of the ocean's surface Within this depth, sunlight penetrates.
The ocean water column is made up of five zones The sunlight (epipelagic), twilight (mesopelagic), midnight (bathypelagic), abyssal (abyssopelagic) and hadal zones (trenches). Woods hole oceanographic institution (whoi) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education Every drop of ocean water holds living things Across earth's history, the ocean has nurtured nearly every form of life that has ever existed Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems around coral reefs, the surprising homes of marine microbes, the migrations of giant marine mammals, and the clues embedded in environmental dna.
Get to know the big systems of the ocean 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. 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. Ocean culture and history explore the many ways people have interacted with the sea over time From ancient maritime traditions and early navigation to modern ocean exploration and conservation, the ocean has long influenced human societies, economies, and worldviews
Today, that relationship continues through scientific discovery, engineering innovation, and a growing understanding of the. Ocean warming enhances hurricane activity, bleaches coral reefs and melts antarctic sea ice That warming has been off the charts for the past year. Discover the ocean learning hub—your gateway to trusted ocean science content Easily explore by topic, media type, grade level, and educational standards.
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