Oceans are mysteries in themselves; the oceans occupy over 70% of the Earth’s surface. The ocean plays a very important role in keeping life on Earth, weather conditions, and the habitat of many species of animals found within it. There is abundant interesting life—from minute plankton floating near its surface to the largest whales roaming deep inside—and there are secrets that wait to be unravelled here.
This blog is dedicated to entertaining young minds with all sorts of interesting and fun facts about the ocean. We try to make the learning process about the wonders of the ocean quite entertaining. Whether it is a parent who wants to ignite interest in the mind of their child or a teacher who intends to hold interactive oceanography lessons, these facts should help the kids appreciate this incredible underwater world. Dive in to discover some ocean facts to amaze oneself, along with what everyone can do to help in the fight for this precious resource.
Oceans of the World
Now, you might know this, but there are five oceans in the world. Each of them is very unique and has special characteristics that make it special. Let’s dive in!
Arctic Ocean:
Being the smallest and shallowest among these five oceans, the Arctic Ocean is wholly covered with sea ice throughout most of the year. It houses a few very cool and unique animals and creatures, such as polar bears and narwhals.
Atlantic Ocean:
Refers to the ocean that is second among the five being mentioned. It lies between the Americas at its left and between Europe and Africa at its right. It is known as the home of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle and is a very important route for ships coming from one continent heading for another.
Pacific Ocean:
The Pacific is the world’s largest and deepest ocean; it is larger than all the land put together on Earth. It even contains the deepest part of the world’s ocean, the Mariana Trench.
Southern Ocean:
Sometimes called the Antarctic Ocean as it surrounds Antarctica and has its circumpolar currents that are very strong, this is the world’s newest named ocean, which was recognized in the year 2000.
Indian Ocean:
This is enclosed between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Indian sub-continent; it has warm waters with monsoon weather patterns. It’s also a vital route for maritime trade.
10 Amazing Facts About Ocean
Earth is largely made of oceans.
Our planet often gets regarded as the “Blue Planet” because the oceans account for over seventy per cent of the total surface area. This body of water plays a role in the sustainability of life itself and even weather patterns as well as the creation of the very food we eat daily.
The ocean produces over half of the world’s oxygen.
It is these minute marine plants called phytoplankton that makeup such a huge part of the world’s oxygen supply. These microorganisms, living in the top layer of the ocean, represent a hugely dominant part of the Earth’s photosynthesis and produce over half of the oxygen we have in the air.
There are underwater lakes and rivers.
Indeed, below the ocean, there are lakes and rivers formed when dense, salty water reaches the bottom of the sea. These lakes and rivers under the oceanic belt provide very peculiar habitats for numerous species of marine organisms.
The deep sea is home to bioluminescent creatures.
Within the pitch-black depths of the ocean, the ability of most animals to produce their own light is called bioluminescence. That is, glow-in-the-dark jellyfish to anglerfish with glowing lures support them in their search for prey, finding a mate, and also to communicate in the dark.
Deep-sea creatures can survive extreme conditions.
Deep-sea animals have to cope with high pressure, freezing temperatures, and total darkness. Surprisingly, giant tube worms and deep-sea shrimp actually flourish in the areas surrounding hydrothermal vents, surviving on chemical energy rather than sunlight.
Only a small fraction of the ocean has been explored.
Although over 70% of the Earth is ocean, less than 5% has as yet been explored by man. It remains one of the biggest frontiers of this world, as there is so much in it yet to be identified.
June 8 is celebrated as the World Ocean Day.
World Ocean Day is observed annually on June 8. It is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of the ocean and to rally people into action for the care of such an important part of the earth.
The ocean floor is moving!
Believe it or not, the oceanic floor is never stationary but is in constant motion because of tectonic plate action. These may pull apart or collide and slide past one another, producing mountain structures, trenches underwater, and even earthquakes. The movement has served to shape our planet’s landscape for millions of years.
Hydrothermal vents are unique underwater ecosystems.
Hydrothermal vents have been found along the mid-ocean ridges, areas at the center of the ocean where the plates are moving apart. They emit water with lots of minerals in it and host remarkable assemblages of giant tube worms, clams and bacteria. The primary producers of their food chain are chemosynthetic bacteria rather than photosynthetic plants.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth.
The largest living structure on Earth, with more than 1,400 miles of coral located off Australia’s coast, is the Great Barrier Reef. It is so large that it can be seen from outer space! This colourful, underwater home has a total number of 1,500 fish species and around 400 types of coral.
How to teach Kids about the Oceans in the World
Orboot Earth is a globe that enables kids not only to have fun but also to have some interactive learning. Just download a free app, and see the really detailed 3D visuals, each time listening to many interesting facts. The application works on AR technology to make ocean creatures and ecosystems come literally alive before the user’s eyes. Dive deep into oceanography, make children discover the importance of marine conservation, and light up an interest in nature again with Orboot Earth. It’s fun, hands-on learning. Turn learning into an adventure!
Conclusion:
The ocean is an awesome place; it’s just filled from the very beginning to the very end with astounding facts and wonders. From its dimensions, spreading more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, to the marvellous bioluminescent creatures which lighten up the dark bottom of the sea, the ocean just doesn’t stop letting your jaw fall. We have learned about the big role of tiny phytoplankton in oxygen production and even found underwater lakes and rivers. The Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Southern, and Indian are the five very interesting oceans with all the fascinating details that reflect the diversity and richness in the marine environment.
Kids need to learn about how important the ocean is to the health of our planet. Knowledge on oceans instils a sense of responsibility in children toward caring for such a valuable treasure. Using interactive educational toys like Orboot Earth, kids are led to learn some of the coolest marine life forms and the importance of the ecosystems that live beneath the waves.
Can you think of a better way than through a sense of wonder at the mysteries of the ocean- a feeling that ultimately will stir stewardship and conservation? So what does it all mean? The more we are going to be able to learn about the ocean, the better we can prepare for the protection of its future. Continue inspiring the minds of the young in exploration and learning in this marvellous world of sea protection.
FAQs:
1. How can kids help protect the ocean?
They can save the ocean by reducing the use of plastics, participating in cleaning up the beaches, and spreading awareness about marine conservation. Just a few simple acts, like using reusable bags and bottles, can bring a big change.
2. What is the difference between a sea and an ocean?
The key difference between a sea and an ocean is size. Oceans are huge and deep, with vast coverage areas on Earth, while seas are smaller and partly land-enclosed.
3. How do ocean currents affect the climate?
The ocean currents are considered vital in the regulation of climate, as they help in the distribution of heat around the world. They support maintaining merited temperatures, thereby regulating weather conditions and marine ecosystems.
4. How do scientists explore the deep ocean?
The deep ocean is studied through state-of-the-art technologies that involve ROVs, submersibles, and sonar mapping of underwater environments.