THE WORLD OCEAN What did the ocean say to the beach? DID YOU KNOW? • Did you know that most of our breathable oxygen does not come from trees? • It comes from the Ocean! • There are lakes, rivers, and even waterfalls beneath the Ocean’s surface. • There are at least 20 trillions of gold in the ocean. • Most volcanic eruptions occur beneath the surface of the ocean. A Water World • 71% of the Earth’s surface is water • ~97% of the water is saltwater • 3% is Freshwater • Of the freshwater, 79% is trapped in ice • Less than 1% of freshwater is easily accessible for use. • Arctic Ocean • Smallest & coldest ocean • Atlantic Ocean • 2nd largest ocean • Home to world’s longest mountain range • Indian Ocean • 3rd Largest Ocean • Landlocked to the North • Pacific Ocean • Largest & Deepest Ocean • Home to the Mariana Trench • Southern Ocean (aka Antarctic Ocean) • 4th largest Ocean • “youngest” ocean • Home to largest ocean current 5 OCEANS THE SEAS • Contain Saltwater • Seas tend to be partially enclosed by land • Seas are shallower than the ocean which allows for plant life • Numerous seas, only 5 oceans • The Mediterranean Sea is the largest sea, but it is only a quarter the size of the Arctic Ocean WHY STUDY THE OCEAN? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? • Weather & Climate patterns of the ocean dictate how hot/cold or wet/dry places are • Determines where on land organisms live • Provides food, oxygen, and resources such as oil WHAT IS OCEANOGRAPHY? • Oceanography is the science of recording and describing the ocean’s contents and processes. 4 BRANCHES OF OCEANOGRAPHY Biological Chemical Geological Physical Studies life in the ocean & the Ocean’s role in various ecosystems. Studies the chemistry and properties of ocean water. Studies the geology of the ocean: rocks, sediment, landforms, etc Studies the physics Of the ocean. Includes movement of water, light, and sound as well as weather and climate.
