Author: Cailin Fourie
The ocean, a vast and mysterious expanse, remains one of the most intriguing natural wonders.
With only roughly 5% of our oceans explored, the deep blue holds some of Earth's greatest mysteries and treasures, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
Most of our Oxygen comes from the Ocean: Millions of creatures in the oceanic food chain are vital to oxygen production. Roughly 70% of atmospheric oxygen is produced by Algae, kelp, and phytoplankton.
The Oceans are a Vast Treasure trove: In 2023, it was estimated that there would be 3 million shipwrecks worldwide beneath the deep blue. Only a handful have had their story told, with it being estimated that less than 1% of those shipwrecks have been discovered. The oldest known shipwreck dates around the early Bronze Age (200-2700 BC) and was located in the Aegean Sea, off the Coast of Southern Greece. The Dokos has been fully biodegraded, leaving behind only some items that were on board.
Mystery Colour: Water absorbs the colours on the warmer side of the spectrum (orange, yellow and red) better than the cooler shades. The deeper you go down into the ocean, the less light can be absorbed, which is why the deeper parts of the ocean are pitch black. The varying hues of blue are a result of various factors, such as how organic matter reacts in the water, levels of salt, and other matter present in the water.
The Ocean, Earth's largest habitat, covers more than 70% of the planet's surface. It's home to an estimated 2.2 million species, many of which are yet to be discovered. From the vibrant coral reefs to the enigmatic creatures of the deep sea, the ocean's biodiversity is truly mind-blowing. Up to 80% of the ocean's species are still unknown sparks a sense of amazement and curiosity about what other creatures might be lurking beneath the waves.
The Ocean Has Underwater Waterfalls: Yes, you read that right! The ocean has underwater waterfalls, and the largest one is found in the Denmark Strait. This incredible natural phenomenon occurs when cold water from the Arctic meets warmer water from the Irminger Sea. The cold, dense water plunges beneath the lighter, warmer water, creating a waterfall effect. The Denmark Strait waterfall drops about 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), nearly three times taller than Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall on land. So, while we might think of waterfalls as a land-only feature, the ocean has some impressive ones of its own!
The Ocean Has Its Own Mountains: Believe it or not, the ocean floor is home to some of the tallest mountains on Earth! The Mid-Ocean Ridge, a massive underwater mountain range, stretches for about 65,000 kilometres (40,390 miles), making it the most extended mountain range in the world. These underwater peaks can be taller than many of the mountains we're familiar with on land. In fact, if measured from the ocean floor, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is taller than Mount Everest, rising over 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) from base to summit.
So next time you think of mountain climbing, remember that the ocean has some serious peaks waiting to be explored!
And there you have five fun ocean facts that will float your boat! The ocean is a place of wonder, with so much more to discover. Who knows what other secrets lie beneath those waves?