Ocean Facts

What is maritime heritage?

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:28:38 -0500

Maritime heritage preserves and protects valuable historical, cultural, and archaeological resources within our coastal, marine, and Great Lakes environments. More

Filed under Ocean Management

How do we measure currents?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:53:18 -0400

To measure currents, you need three basic tools -- an observer, a floating object or a drifter, and a timing device. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What was the first national marine sanctuary to be designated?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:27:16 -0400

The Monitor was designated our first National Marine Sanctuary on January 30, 1975. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What threats do coastal communities face?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:41:17 -0400

The threats to coastal communities include extreme natural events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, tsunamis, and landslides, as well as longer-term risks of coastal erosion and sea level rise. More

Filed under Ocean Management

Are all algal blooms harmful?

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 07:54:42 -0400

A small percentage of algal blooms are harmful to the environment. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Did I find a lost underwater civilization?

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:34:25 -0400

This is a question we get a lot. Think you found a lost underwater civilization on Google Earth? Learn what causes mysterious grid-like patterns on the ocean floor. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Why do we study tides?

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:47:53 -0400

We study tides for safe navigation, recreation, and coastal development. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is geodesy?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:28:02 -0400

Geodesy is the science of measuring and monitoring the size and shape of the Earth including its gravity field and determining the location of points on the Earth’s surface. More

Filed under Geology

What are PCBs?

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:25:03 -0400

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are industrial products or chemicals. More

Filed under Health

What is the difference between land cover and land use?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:07:01 -0400

Land cover indicates the physical land type such as forest or open water whereas land use documents how people are using the land. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is nutrient pollution?

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 10:30:01 -0400

Nutrient pollution is the process where too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to bodies of water and can act like fertilizer, causing excessive growth of algae. More

Filed under Health

What is resilience?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:28:35 -0400

Coastal resilience means building the ability of a community to "bounce back" after hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding – rather than simply reacting to impacts. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is an environmental sensitivity index map?

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:55:56 -0400

An environmental sensitivity index map is a diagram that provides a concise summary of coastal resources that could be at risk in the event of an oil spill. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is a dead zone?

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:15:41 -0400

"Dead zone" is a more common term for hypoxia, which refers to a reduced level of oxygen in the water. More

Filed under Health

What is a national marine sanctuary?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:43:17 -0400

National marine sanctuaries are protected waters that include habitats such as rocky reefs, kelp forests, deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What can I do to protect coral reefs?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:46:49 -0400

Even if you live far from coral reefs, you can still have an impact on reef health and conservation. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is remote sensing?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:46:05 -0400

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is ecosystem science?

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:19:17 -0400

Ecosystem science is the study of inter-relationships among the living organisms, physical features, bio-chemical processes, natural phenomena, and human activities in ecological communities. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is a turbidity current?

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 14:18:02 -0400

A turbidity current is a rapid, downhill flow of water caused by increased density due to high amounts of sediment. More

Filed under Geology

How frequent are tides?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:18:30 -0400

Coastal areas experience two low tides and two high tides every lunar day, or 24 hours and 50 minutes. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What are phytoplankton?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:18:28 -0400

Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is a guyot?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:25:35 -0400

A guyot, or seamount, is an undersea mountain. More

Filed under Geology

Who first charted the Gulf Stream?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:24:03 -0400

Although first observed in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, the Gulf Stream was not charted until the early 1770s by Benjamin Franklin, with the help of a Nantucket sea captain. More

Filed under Ocean Management

How do people use kelp?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:30:22 -0400

Kelp is used to make toothpastes, shampoos, salad dressings, puddings, cakes, dairy products, frozen foods, and even pharmaceuticals. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is the biggest fish in the ocean?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:29:20 -0400

The biggest fish in the ocean is the Rhincodon typus or whale shark. More

Filed under Ocean Life

Do sharks eat people?

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:29:20 -0400

In general, sharks do not eat humans. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is "smart growth"?

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 17:12:47 -0400

Communities use smart growth to ensure economic growth without sacrificing the safety of the environment. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is the largest ocean basin on Earth?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:27:50 -0400

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world ocean basins. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

Can humans drink seawater?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:26:32 -0400

Drinking seawater can be deadly to humans. More

Filed under Health

Where are marine protected areas located?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:24:12 -0400

Marine protected areas span a range of habitats, including the open ocean, coastal areas, inter-tidal zones, estuaries, and the Great Lakes. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is IOOS?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:23:03 -0400

The Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS, is a coordinated network of people and technology that work together to compile and distribute data on our coastal waters, Great Lakes, and oceans. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What are El Niño and La Niña?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:35:34 -0400

El Niño and La Niña are complex weather patterns resulting from variations in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is a kelp forest?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:33:14 -0400

Kelp forests provide food and shelter for thousands of species. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is the global ocean conveyor belt?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:11:24 -0400

The global ocean conveyor belt is a constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity. More

Filed under Geology

What is a coral reef made of?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:10:18 -0400

A coral reef is made of thin layers of calcium carbonate. More

Filed under Ocean Life

How is sea level rise related to climate change?

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:16:00 -0400

A warming climate can cause seawater to expand and ice over land to melt, both of which can cause a rise in sea level. More

Filed under Geology

What is a mangrove forest?

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:14:53 -0400

Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone. More

Filed under Ocean Life

Is change important to estuaries?

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:40:08 -0400

Changing conditions are a necessary part of healthy, functioning estuaries. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What types of plants and animals live in an estuary?

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:38:59 -0400

Estuaries are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, so there is a great diversity of animals and plants that live there. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What does an oceanographer do?

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:12:28 -0400

Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What is a rip current?

Thu, 14 May 2009 12:22:51 -0400

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Are lionfish a threat to Atlantic Ocean fish?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:20:45 -0400

Invasive lionfish threaten native fish and the environment in U.S. Atlantic coastal waters. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is upwelling?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:54:28 -0400

Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. More

Filed under Geology

What is marine snow?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:52:36 -0400

Marine snow is a shower of organic material falling from upper waters to the deep ocean. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What do the numbers mean on a nautical chart?

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:23:57 -0400

The numbers on a nautical chart represent soundings or depth data. Soundings are water depth measurements that indicate how deep the water is in a particular area in either feet or fathoms. More

Filed under Transportation

How long does it take to produce a nautical chart?

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:21:54 -0400

The time it takes to produce a new nautical chart varies greatly. Nautical charts show what is in, under, and around the water, to help mariners transit our waters safely. The time it takes to develop a new nautical chart varies and it depends on the intensity of the activity in the area and the availability of resources to develop that chart. More

Filed under Transportation

Can the ocean freeze?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:08:53 -0400

Ocean water freezes just like freshwater, but at lower temperatures. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What is a tsunami?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:07:56 -0400

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What is marine debris? (updated)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:07:00 -0400

Marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, and poses a threat to human health. More

Filed under Health

What is a current?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:03:58 -0400

Oceanic currents are driven by three main factors: tides, wind, and temperature changes. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

Can marine debris degrade on its own in the environment?

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:07:40 -0400

Most debris items take a long time to degrade in the marine environment. Human-made products are not completely biodegradable. These products will take a long time, possibly hundreds of years, to degrade. More

Filed under Health

What does peanut butter have to do with the ocean?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:22:41 -0400

The ingredient that makes it easier to spread peanut butter comes from the ocean. When it comes to eating, the ocean provides much more than just seafood. Many of the foods and products found in your local grocery store contain ingredients from the ocean. More

Filed under Health

In what types of water do corals live?

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:21:14 -0400

Because of strict environmental restrictions, coral reefs generally are confined to tropical and semi-tropical waters. Reef-building corals cannot tolerate water temperatures below 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). More

Filed under Ocean Life

How fast is the Gulf Stream?

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:10:04 -0400

The Gulf Stream is an intense, warm ocean current in the western North Atlantic Ocean. It has an average speed of four miles per hour (6.4 kilometers per hour). More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is the largest living structure on Earth?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:42:12 -0400

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth. Stretching for 1,600 miles (2,600 kilometers) over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles (344,400 square kilometers), the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What's the difference between an ocean and a sea?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:11:29 -0500

Seas are smaller than oceans and are usually located where the land and ocean meet. Typically, seas are partially enclosed by land. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What are the seven seas?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:09:07 -0500

The Seven Seas include the Arctic, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans. The origins of the phrase 'Seven Seas' can be traced to ancient times. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What percentage of marine areas are protected?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:42:13 -0500

There are over 1,700 marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United States established by federal, state, and territorial governments. These areas cover 34 percent of U.S. marine waters. More

Filed under Ocean Management

Where can I get tide predictions?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:40:31 -0500

To access tidal predictions for 2009, as well as 2008 – 2004, visit the CO-OPS Water Level Tidal Predictions Web page. More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What is an iceberg?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:29:24 -0500

To be classified as an iceberg, the height of the ice must be greater than 16 feet (five meters) above sea level and the thickness must be 98-164 feet (30-50 meters) and the ice must cover an area of at least 5,382 square feet (500 square meters). More

Filed under Ocean Observation

What is a hydrothermal vent?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:39:09 -0500

Underwater volcanoes at spreading ridges and convergent plate boundaries produce hot springs known as hydrothermal vents. Scientists first discovered hydrothermal vents in 1977 while exploring an oceanic spreading ridge near the Galapagos Islands. More

Filed under Geology

What is an extremophile?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:33:34 -0500

"Extremophiles" are microorganisms with the ability to thrive in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is coastal zone management?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:03 -0500

Coastal zone management involves managing coastal areas to balance environmental, economic, human health, and human activities. More

Filed under Ocean Management

Do volcanoes occur in the ocean?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:30:01 -0500

The greatest number of the Earth's volcanoes occur on the ocean floor. More

Filed under Geology

What is a rogue wave?

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:00:34 -0500

A 'rogue wave' is large, unexpected, and dangerous. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What can the ocean teach us about life on other planets?

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:11:05 -0500

Life in some parts of the ocean may be similar to conditions on other planets and moons. More

Filed under Ocean Life

Where is the highest tide?

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:52 -0500

The highest tide in the world is in Canada . More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What are tides?

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:24:45 -0500

Tides are caused by gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Why do we have oceans?

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:00:48 -0500

Most scientists agree that the atmosphere and the oceans accumulated gradually over millions and millions of years with the continual ‘degassing’ of the Earth’s interior. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

How many oceans are there?

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:01:08 -0500

While there is only one global ocean, the seas are geographically divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern (Antarctic) Oceans. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

How does sound travel in the ocean?

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:02:46 -0500

Sound travels five times faster in water than in air. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Why is the ocean blue?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:01:01 -0500

The ocean is blue because water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

How much water is in the ocean?

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:56:08 -0500

About 97 percent of the water on Earth is in the ocean. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is a nautical chart?

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:35:13 -0500

A nautical chart is one of the most fundamental tools available to the mariner. More

Filed under Transportation

Why is the ocean salty?

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:55:11 -0500

Ocean salt primarily comes from rocks on land. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What is a marine protected area?

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 15:04:45 -0500

Marine protected areas conserve, manage, and protect. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What's the difference between a tide and a current?

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:00:13 -0500

Tides go up and down; currents move left and right. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

Why do Harmful Algal Blooms occur?

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 13:44:36 -0500

While we know of many factors that may contribute to HABs, how these factors come together to create a 'bloom' of algae are not well understood. More

Filed under Health

What is a red tide?

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:53:02 -0500

A "red tide" is a common term used for a harmful algal bloom. More

Filed under Health

What do coral reefs have to do with medicine?

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:44:20 -0500

Corals are the medicine cabinets of the 21st century. More

Filed under Health

What is the biggest source of ocean pollution?

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:00:17 -0500

Most ocean pollution begins on land. More

Filed under Health

How far does light travel in the ocean?

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 15:02:09 -0500

Light travels about 1,000 meters down in the ocean. More

Filed under Ocean Observations

What percentage of the American population lives near the coast?

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 07:49:51 -0500

Over half of the American population lives within 50 miles of the coast. More

Filed under Ocean Management

How much of the ocean have we explored?

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 07:36:46 -0500

Marine protected areas conserve, manage, and protect. More

Filed under Ocean Management

What's the difference between a nautical chart and a map?

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:46:33 -0500

A nautical chart provides a very detailed and accurate representation of the coastline, which takes into account varying tidal levels and water forms, critical to a navigator. More

Filed under Transportation

What is a sonar?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:55:46 -0500

Sonar, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and light waves. More

Filed under Transportation

What species live in and around coral reefs?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:05:55 -0500

Millions of species! Coral reefs teem with life and are living museums. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is hydrography?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:44:07 -0500

Hydrographers measure & describe bodies of water. More

Filed under Transportation

How important is the ocean to our economy?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:15:26 -0500

The oceans are the trading routes for the planet . More

Filed under Transportation

What role does the Ocean Service play with our nation's aircraft and airports?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:35:54 -0500

You may be surprised to learn that the National Ocean Service is responsible for surveying in support of the nation's airports and airspace. More

Filed under Transportation

What role does the ocean play in the weather?

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:33:58 -0500

The ocean plays an important role in shaping our climate and weather patterns. More

Filed under Geology

Why do we have oceans?

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:35:39 -0500

What is marine debris?

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:54:28 -0500

Marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, and poses a threat to human health. More

Filed under Health

Is sea level rising?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:31:38 -0500

The longest mountain range on Earth is called the mid-ocean ridge. More

Filed under Geology

How do coral reefs protect life and property?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:14:48 -0500

Coral reefs protect against waves, storms, and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage, and erosion. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What is the longest mountain range on earth?

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 11:06:51 -0500

The longest mountain range on Earth is called the mid-ocean ridge. More

Filed under Geology

What is a benthic habitat map?

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 07:29:38 -0500

Benthic habitat maps help protect fragile underwater areas. More

Filed under Geology

What is an estuary?

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 17:08:30 -0500

Estuaries are places where fresh and saltwater mix. More

Filed under Ocean Life

What percentage of life is estimated to be in the ocean?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:07:28 -0500

The ocean is home to the greatest diversity of major plant, animal, and microbial groups on Earth. More

Filed under Ocean Life

How do coral reefs benefit the economy?

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:04:11 -0500

Coral reefs support jobs, tourism, and fisheries. More

Filed under Ocean Life

How deep is the ocean?

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:57:37 -0500

The average ocean depth is 4.3 kilometers (2.65 miles). More

Filed under Ocean Observations