10 Intriguing facts about the Ocean

The oceans of the world are intriguing and mysterious places, home to some of the most diverse and important wildlife on Earth, oceans account for around 70% of the world's surface. Though despite oceans being so ubiquitous on our planet, they remain relatively unexplored and uncharted—here are a few interesting facts about the ocean to make you think.

The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and almost 90% of the worlds water is stored in them, making them the largest ecosystem on the planet. There are four historically named oceans - the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, but according to the NOAA there are five, with the afforementioned and the Southern Ocean.

The ocean is home to a vast array of marine life, with an estimated 2 million species discovered so far, and possibly millions more yet to be discovered. Coral reefs cover a miniscule amount of the ocean floor but hold up to 25% of all marine life.

The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part of the world's oceans, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters) at the Challenger Deep.

Many marine organisms, such as certain types of plankton, jellyfish, and fish, possess the ability to produce light through bioluminescence, creating stunning displays in the ocean depths.

The ocean plays a crucial role in producing oxygen through photosynthesis carried out by marine plants, including phytoplankton, which contribute significantly to the Earth's oxygen supply.

Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions—more rarely they can be caused by meteor or asteroid impacts. They travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds, often causing devastating effects when they reach coastlines, travelling inland for miles.

Located off the north-eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world with an average depth of 35 metres, while outer reefs can extend down to 2000 metres. The reef attracts millions of visitors every year and is so vast that it can be seen from space.

Ocean currents are like rivers flowing through the ocean, driven by various factors, including temperature, wind, and the rotation of the Earth. These currents play a crucial role in regulating global climate.

The salinity of the ocean isn't uniform throughout. It can vary based on factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater input from rivers. The saltiest body of water is the Dead Sea.

In actuality, only a small fraction of our oceans have been explored, with it being estimated that around 80% of the ocean remains uncharted. This means new species and underwater landscapes are regularly being discovered.

These are just a few of the many fascinating aspects of the ocean, and there is so much more to learn and explore in this vast and dynamic ecosystem.

Read more: What lies beneath: 7 wonders of the deep-sea

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