Why is the ocean blue?
No one knows for sure. There are several theories as to why the ocean is usually blue. Some scientists believe that when sunlight hits seawater, part of the white light is absorbed and part is reflected. White light is composed of various shades (all the colours in the rainbow). Seawater does not absorb blue light, so the blue light is reflected outwards. Some scientists believe that suspended matter in the sea is responsible for its blue colour.
What causes waves?
Wind is the most common cause of surface waves. The longer the distance a wind blows, the stronger it is, and the bigger the waves. As wind blows over the ocean, it tries to pick up some of the water. Because the surface of the water can not move, it rises. Gravity pulls the wave back down into the ocean. However, the water now has momentum. Water pressure from below pushes the water back up, and the cycle starts again.
How far can sunlight penetrate into the ocean?
Significant sunlight can only penetrate 100 metres freely. Because seawater is relatively transparent, about 5% of sunlight penetrates to a depth of 262 feet (80 metres). However, if the water contains significant amounts of silt, algae or other factors, the penetration depth can be reduced to 164 feet (50 metres) or less. Learn more about the ocean light zone.
How many oceans are there in the world?
There is really only one big ocean. One can sail in a boat in every known ocean and sea which means they are all connected.
What are the main oceans called?
It is generally recognized that there are five main areas in this one big ocean:
The Pacific Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean surrounds the North Pole. It is the smallest ocean with only 5.5 million square miles and 4% of the worlds water. It is frozen all the time, except at its edges.
The Indian Ocean is the third largest area. It covers about 28 million square miles and holds 20% of the worlds water. About 90% of the Indian Ocean is south of the equator.
The Southern Ocean is where you will find Antarctica and the South Pole. Some say it is not an ocean at all, but the southern part of three oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
What is a sea?
A sea is a branch of one of the five oceans. A sea is partially enclosed by land. For example, the Indian Ocean is divided in two by the country of India, forming the Arabian Sea on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other.
What are the worlds largest seas?
1. The South China Sea
2. The Caribbean Sea
3. The Mediterranean Sea
What are the worlds largest islands?
1. Greenland, Northern Atlantic
2. New Guinea, Southwest Pacific
3. Borneo, Southwest Pacific
4. Madagascar, Western Indian
5. Baffin Island, Northern Atlantic
Why is the ocean salty?
It is salty because it has a lot of salt in it! Salt is a mineral that is also found in soil and rocks. Flowing water picks up some salt and carries it to rivers. Rivers carry it to seas. Since this has been happening for millions of years, the oceans now have a lot of salt - about one cup per gallon!
Where is the deepest part of the ocean?
The deepest place is near the Mariana Islands in the Pacific. The water is over 36,000 feet deep in the Mariana Trench. That is over 7 miles deep. Mount Everest is only 6 miles high!
