The huge ocean encompasses more than 70% of the earth's surface. It's more than simply a large body of water; it's a fascinating world full of exotic creatures, breathtaking scenery, and incredible secrets.
The ocean influences our weather, provides us with food, and is home to numerous species that we are still discovering today. It is crucial to the earth's ecosystem and has many incredible hidden wonders.
Here are some of the most incredible facts about the ocean that will wow you:
1. The Ocean is Deep And Mysterious
The ocean is incredibly deep, with the average depth being about 12,100 feet. The deepest part of the ocean is called the Mariana Trench, which is located in the western Pacific Ocean. The Mariana Trench reaches an astounding depth of about 36,000 feet, which is deeper than Mount Everest is tall. This trench is so deep that few explorers have ever reached the bottom, and it remains one of the most mysterious places on Earth.
2. The Ocean Contains The Largest Living Structure
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest living structure on the planet.
It is so big that it can be seen from space. The reef is made up of billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps and spans over 1,400 miles. It is a vibrant ecosystem that supports a wide variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and sharks.
3. Most of The Ocean is Unexplored
Despite covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, more than 80% of the ocean remains unexplored and unmapped.
This means there are vast areas of the ocean that we know very little about. Scientists believe that there are many species of marine life yet to be discovered, and new ones are being found all the time.
4. The Ocean Regulates The Earth's Climate
The ocean regulates the Earth's climate. It absorbs a large amount of the sun's heat and distributes it around the globe through ocean currents. These currents act like a conveyor belt, moving warm water from the equator to the poles and cold water back to the tropics. This helps to keep our climate stable and supports a wide range of weather patterns.
5. There Are Underwater Waterfalls
One of the largest waterfalls in the ocean is located between Greenland and Iceland. Here, cold water from the Arctic flows down into the Atlantic, creating a waterfall effect. This underwater waterfall is estimated to be about 11,500 feet high, which is three times the height of the tallest land-based waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela.
6. The Ocean is Home To Bioluminescent Creatures
Many creatures in the ocean can produce their light through a process called bioluminescence.
7. The Ocean is Full Of Strange Sounds
The ocean is a noisy place, filled with all sorts of strange sounds. Whales sing complex songs that can travel for hundreds of miles underwater. There are also mysterious sounds, like the "Bloop," which was detected by underwater microphones in the 1990s. The origin of the Bloop is still unknown, but it’s thought to be the sound of a large marine animal or a natural underwater event.