The oceans have 7,000 to 35,000 tons of floating garbage, mostly plastic, creating “garbage patches” where waste accumulates due to ocean currents. Every ocean has at least one landfill. The Pacific Ocean has two garbage patches, and microbes, including cholera bacteria, live on plastic waste. The size of the patches is difficult to determine due […]
Ocean pollution is caused by human activities such as oil spills, waste, and factory leaks. Proper trash removal, recycling, and government regulations can help prevent pollution. Pollution can harm the food chain and make seafood unsafe to eat. Protecting the oceans is important for the planet, and individuals can make a difference by reducing water […]
The majority of the earth’s water is saline, with salt coming from carbon dioxide eroding rock and minerals being carried into the sea. Chloride and sodium make up over 90% of dissolved ions in the ocean, with salt also coming from hydrothermal vents and underwater volcanoes. When you consider that about 70 percent of the […]
Victor Vescovo discovered four new crustacean species during his dive to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench, but also found plastic waste. The dive was part of the “Five Deeps Expedition,” and samples will be examined for microplastics. In May 2019, humans went further than ever into the depths of the ocean, only to […]
The Southern Ocean is the fourth largest ocean and surrounds Antarctica. It is known for being the coldest and stormiest ocean, with dangerous icebergs and thick drift ice. The wind blows continuously around the Earth at these latitudes, creating the “Furious Fifties” and “Shrieking Sixties”. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current radically cooled the entire Southern Ocean […]
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.3, caused a tsunami that killed over 225,000 people in eleven countries. The disaster destroyed homes and left hundreds of thousands homeless. The international community donated over US$7 billion in aid. The earthquake was caused by a megathrust earthquake, where one tectonic plate slides under another. […]
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.3, caused a tsunami that killed over 225,000 people in 11 countries. It was caused by a megathrust earthquake, and is the seventh deadliest natural disaster in history. The international community donated over $7 billion in aid, and reconstruction is still ongoing. The 2004 Indian Ocean […]
Rhode Island’s official nickname, “Ocean State,” was adopted in the 1970s to attract tourism. The state has a long coastline and a history of maritime commerce and fishing. The nickname remains relevant today, as it draws tourists and supports the fishing industry. While there are a number of likely reasons for Rhode Island’s official nickname […]
Ocean storms, including cyclonic systems, can threaten ships and property on land. Tropical cyclones are the most destructive and form in warm waters, threatening the Caribbean and American continents. Other types of cyclones can also cause damage and force ships to seek alternative routes. High waves and currents can also pose a danger to swimmers […]
The abyssal plain covers 40% of the ocean floor, is flat due to slow sediment accumulation, and is sparsely populated by bottom feeders. Hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and whale falls provide oases for small ecosystems. Less than 0.1% of the abyssal plain has been explored by humans. The ocean floor off the continental shelf is […]
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the temperature difference of the ocean at various depths to create a heat engine, converting thermal energy into mechanical output. The first energy conversion ocean thermal plant was built in Cuba in 1930. There are three types of OTEC systems: closed, open, and hybrid. Closed-loop systems use a low […]
The open ocean is called the pelagic zone and is divided into five sub-zones: epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, and hadopelagic. Each zone has different characteristics and inhabitants adapted to the conditions. The open ocean, significantly distant from continental shelves, is collectively known as the pelagic zone of the ocean. The name derives from the Greek […]
The world’s oceans have two main areas: the shallow continental shelf and the deep, dark abyssal plain. The continental shelf is home to most of the world’s marine life, while the abyssal plain is largely devoid of life, with only a few species able to survive in the extreme conditions. During ice ages, sea levels […]
Ocean conservation jobs include researchers, scientists, engineers, educators, lobbyists, and advocates. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and universities to protect and preserve the oceans through field studies, education, and advocacy efforts. The variety of ocean conservation jobs is vast, as almost any job a person works in to protect and preserve the […]
“Boiling the ocean” means an impossible task or overly complex project. It can refer to caring about fine details or doing too much planning. The phrase’s origin is uncertain. It’s better to reduce steps than add extra detail, and some people get caught up in planning and never start. Children with certain disabilities may struggle […]
The idiom “a drop in the ocean” means something is insignificant compared to what is needed. It originated from the Bible and evolved from “a drop in the bucket.” It is used in Britain and the US, and shares its origins with other common English phrases. The idiom “a drop in the ocean” means that […]
