10 Interesting Ocean Facts That You May Not Know
The ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet we know surprisingly little about it. Here are 10 interesting ocean facts that you may not know.
1. The Ocean is Home to the World’s Tallest Mountain and Deepest Trench
The ocean is home to some of the most extreme features on Earth. The Mariana Trench is the deepest known point in the ocean, with a depth of over 36,000 feet. In contrast, Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano is the world’s tallest mountain, with almost two-thirds of its height underwater.
2. The Ocean Contains More Than 20 Million Tons of Gold
Although it’s not economically feasible to extract this gold, the ocean contains more than 20 million tons of the precious metal – that’s enough to give every person on Earth 9 pounds of gold!
3. The Ocean is the Ultimate Carbon Sink
The ocean absorbs approximately 25% of the carbon dioxide that humans produce, helping to slow down the pace of climate change. This has negative consequences for the ocean, however, as increased carbon dioxide leads to ocean acidification, harming marine life.
4. The Ocean Contains Some of the World’s Oldest Animals
The ocean is home to some of the world’s oldest animals, including the Greenland shark, which can live for over 400 years! Other long-lived creatures include the bowhead whale and the giant clam.
5. The Ocean Provides Nearly Half of the Oxygen We Breathe
The ocean is a vital source of oxygen, with marine plants and animals contributing to almost half of the Earth’s oxygen supply.
6. The Ocean is Full of Mystery
It’s estimated that we have only explored 5% of the world’s oceans, meaning there is still so much we don’t know about this vast body of water.
7. 90% of All Volcanic Activity Occurs in the Ocean
The ocean is a hotbed of volcanic activity, with 90% of all volcanic activity occurring underwater.
8. The Ocean Contains More Than 25,000 Known Species of Fish
The ocean is home to a vast array of fish species, with over 25,000 currently known. This includes the impressive whale shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long!
9. The Ocean Provides Jobs for Millions of People
The ocean is a vital source of jobs for millions of people around the world, from fishermen to shipping companies.
10. The Ocean is Home to Some of the World’s Largest Animals
The ocean is home to some of the world’s largest animals, including the blue whale, which can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh up to 200 tons!
In conclusion, the ocean is truly a remarkable feature of our planet, with countless interesting features and facts to discover. From extreme depths to vibrant marine life, the ocean continues to fascinate and inspire us. We must work to preserve this valuable resource for future generations to enjoy.
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