Everything about the world’s oceans including their importance to life on earth, marine mammals, endangered species that inhabit the ocans, biodiversity of sea life, threats facing the ocean, ocean pollution, over fishing, depleted fisheries, energy and plant life from the ocean, and much more.
Dive deep into the world’s oceans for an underwater exploration of the planet’s marine environment. From the Arctic to the Antarctic this environmental guide is a voyage of discovery that takes in oceanic flora and fauna, and includes a health check of the world’s oceans.
The Gulf of Mexico coastal ecosystems are challenged with numerous threats. Changing climate conditions and the growing population and activities of humans in the area pose threats for many reasons. What will eventually happen to the gulf life if this continues?
Discussing the continental shelf of the United States can lead to a sticky situation. There are two different definitions that can be used depending on what your ultimate goals are, a geographical definition and a geopolitical definition.
Why should anyone care that the seafloor is spreading? What does it mean to me? Well, the simple answer is that when the seafloor spreads it causes strain at the edges of the Earth’s tectonic plates that can lead to earthquakes and other natural disasters.
What is primary productivity? Primary producers are the organisms that form the base of the food chain by creating biomass through the processes of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. When either system is employed, it creates organic matter from inorganic compounds and carbon dioxide.
Deeper than even the light of the Sun can reach there is a cauldron bubbling up a life giving essence. Hydrothermal vents are among the most unique structures on the ocean floor, providing for life in a world devoid of it.
There is a huge array of fauna living in the Pacific Ocean today. From plankton to fish to mammals and birds, these species all coexist together in the great ocean deep. How, though, are they being affected by the ways of the ocean and the environment that surrounds them?
Ever notice how the sand recedes from the beach and gets deposited somewhere else? This happens due to a process known as longshore drift that is responsible for shaping the coastlines. We will explore what the process is, how it works and see what effects it has on those living along the coasts.
Phytoplankton are the most abundant and widely distributed form of plant life on Earth. They are responsible for roughly 50% of global plant production and carbon dioxide assimilation on Earth. Learn about the phytoplankton cycle and the importance of these organisms to our oceans and our planet.
Zooplankton are microscopic animals that live on or near the top of large bodies of water. They are an integral part of the biosphere and are extremely adept at developing strategies and physical characteristics that allow them to survive in drastically different environments.
The Atlantic Ocean is a vast ocean that is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Learn more about the fauna of the Atlantic Ocean, and the ocean and ecosystem dynamics that determine the species composition of the different marine zones.
From the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn, the delicate biome of the tropical oceans rings the earth. Within these waters, vegetation and marine animals live in a world of fragile balance, often dependent on each other. Life in the tropical oceans relies on the warm water temperature.
The article describes what an underwater or undersea river is, and the possible implications of these rivers for the marine ecosystems.
There are two types of ocean currents: surface currents and deep water currents. Primary forces such as solar heating and winds start ocean currents. Secondary forces, including gravity and the Coriolis force, direct where the current goes. These are some of the facts about ocean currents.
This article describes the different common features of ocean basins as well as some information about their geological and topographical composition.
We live on an ocean planet where the seas cover almost 2/3 of the surface. Much of the pollution that we produce finds its way into the sea. This article looks at some of the types of ocean pollution which stem from man’s activities, but also arise from natural processes.
Panama Canal fresh water outflow is caused by the operation of locks that use a considerable amount of water to raise and lower ships that are carried between the two oceans that make up either end of the canal. This freshwater outflow can change the environment in the areas that it affects.
How much do you know about coral reefs aside from the fact that they are beautiful and in danger? Discover some unusual facts about the coral reef and fully realize the environmental concerns over the reefs’ present condition.
To understand what is the impact of a tsunami on people and the environment, you first need to understand how tsunamis are caused and consider the size of the triggering event. A cubic metre of water weighs a tonne, so it is easy to imagine the destructive power of a 30 metre high wave…
Biodegradation of an oil spill, whether on beaches or in the ocean, is a normal procedure that gradually gets rid of oil from the aquatic and dry surroundings. But speedy elimination of spilled oil from seashores and lowlands is indispensable for minimizing damage to these sensitive habitats.