Explore how the ocean shapes life on Earth. It sustains us, surprises us, and holds mysteries we're only beginning to understand. Dive into key topics here.

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Without the ocean, life as we know it wouldn't be possible. There are a number of key reasons why. First, the ocean is the largest source of oxygen on Earth. According to scientists, …

Jan 24, 2023 · Ocean acidification is a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily by an increase of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Jul 14, 2025 · The ocean is a vast and critical reservoir that supports a diversity of life, helps regulate climate, provides a large amount of the planet’s oxygen, and stores an abundance of …

Why is the ocean blue? People have wondered this for hundreds of years. One idea is that it reflects the sky. And it does-on the surface. From the coast, it may appear a deep blue on a …

Dec 19, 2025 · Incredible diversity exists in the ocean, from microscopic organisms to the largest animals on Earth.

What causes ocean waves? Surf crashing off Katama's South Beach. Photo by Jayne Doucette ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution A trip to the ocean means sun, wind, and waves. …

2 days ago · Ocean color is a measure of sunlight that is reflected by the water and its components, such as phytoplankton, sediments, and colored dissolved organic matter …

Dec 19, 2024 · The upper layer of the ocean is known as the sunlit, or euphotic, zone. Because water strongly absorbs light, sunlight penetrates only to depths of about 200 meters (656 feet).