Discover: Ocean Exploration Facts

The ocean exploration facts in this section provide short answers to common or intriguing ocean questions. The questions are categorized according to the seven Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts (pdf) for grades K-12, which outline the knowledge required to be considered ocean literate in accordance with the National Science Education Standards.

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The Earth has one big ocean with many features

1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.

Covering approximately 97 percent of Earth's surface, the ocean is a big place. Visit this section to uncover answers to questions about the physical aspects of the ocean, its water, and its basins. Learn about everything from the forces that shape ocean basins to ocean circulation, tides, sea level change, ocean water properties, and more.

The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.

2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.

The ocean is a powerful force on our planet, helping to shape the physical features of Earth. In this section, you can learn more about some of the ocean forces at work and how these forces are connected to the rock cycle, the shape of our coastline, and more.

The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.

As the dominant physical feature on our planet, it is no surprise that the ocean plays an important role in shaping our weather and climate. Learn more about the connection between the ocean and weather and climate within this section.

The ocean makes Earth habitable.

4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.

Did you know that you can thank the ocean for making Earth a hospitable place to live? Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere, that we rely on to breathe, originally came from the activities of photosynthetic organisms in the ocean.

The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

From tiny microbes to blue whales, the diversity of life in the ocean is astounding. Learm more about the range of life in the ocean, from corals, sponges, and crabs to fish, whales, plants, and more. You will also find information in this section about the habitats and ecosystems that marine life calls home and the factors that influence what habitats are most suitable for different kinds of life.

The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

From providing us with food, energy and mineral resources, and recreation opportunities to holding archaeological clues to the past, the ocean affects every human life. In turn, our actions, from use of resources to pollution or conservation, directly affect the ocean. Learn how we are all connected to the ocean.

The ocean is largely unexplored.

7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

Using increasingly sophisticated tools, technologies, and sensors, we learn more about our ocean every day; however, we have still explored less than five percent of this vast underwater frontier.  Find answers to questions about how and why we continue to explore our world ocean.