The ocean covers nearly 75% of the surface of the Earth. It is what makes life on Earth possible. The ocean has a significant influence on our weather and climate. Through the water cycle, it supplies most of the rainfall on our planet. It also provides more than half of our oxygen. Fish is the primary source of protein for one billion of the people on Earth. The bulk of this supply comes from the ocean.
We used to believe that the vastness of the ocean would be able to provide for all our needs and deal with as much waste as we poured into it. It was thought that the ocean's supply of fish was virtually unlimited. That the garbage that we contributed would be absorbed without effect. Only in the recent past have we come to realize that this is not true. The ocean's fish supplies are dwindling. Large amounts of plastic pollution drift endlessly throughout the ocean enticing marine animals who mistake it for food. Many people live or vacation as close to the ocean as possible which often leads to construction and other activities that damage vital habitat.
The Mariana Trench (or Marianas Trench), east of Guam, is nearly 7 miles below the surface of the ocean! In comparison, Mount Everest is 29,029 feet; 8,848 meters above sea level.
Age: ~ 4 billion years old It is estimated that Pangaea, the super-continent, has formed and broken apart several times.
More than 200,000 different types of plants and animals live in the ocean.
80% of trash in the ocean comes from land sources. Make sure to throw away your trash. Joining a local clean-up project helps keep the whole Earth healthier.
