Ocean

The ocean is the body of salt water that covers approximately 70.8% of the surface of Earth and contains 97% of Earth's water. An ocean can also refer to any of the large bodies of water into which the world ocean is conventionally divided. Separate names are used to identify five different areas of the ocean: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Antarctic/Southern, and Arctic. Seawater covers approximately 361,000,000 km² of the planet. The ocean is the principal component of Earth's hydrosphere, and therefore integral to life on Earth. Acting as a huge heat reservoir, the ocean influences climate and weather patterns, the carbon cycle, and the water cycle. Oceanographers divide the ocean into different vertical and horizontal zones based on physical and biological conditions. The pelagic zone consists of the water column from surface to ocean floor throughout the open ocean. The water column is further categorized in other zones depending on depth and on how much light is present.

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A Spacecraft Carrying Human Remains and Cannabis Crashes into the Ocean

Ocean, atmosphere equally responsible for Atlantic ‘cold blob,’ scientists find - EurekAlert!

This sun-powered sponge pulls drinking water straight from the ocean

The Australia-Tuvalu climate migration treaty is a drop in the ocean

Antarctica’s ocean flip: Satellites catch sudden salt surge melting ice from below

Antarctica's Ocean Is Mysteriously Getting Saltier, Spelling End to Sea Ice

Antarctica’s ocean flip: Satellites catch sudden salt surge melting ice from below

Shrinking Antarctic sea ice is warming the ocean faster than expected

A giant pulse beneath Africa could split the continent — and form an ocean

The Atlantic's chilling secret: A century of data reveals ocean current collapse

Ocean ‘greening’ at poles could spell changes for fisheries - EurekAlert!

Hundreds of Mysterious Giant Viruses Discovered Lurking in The Ocean

What helps the climate is not automatically good for the ocean - EurekAlert!

Centuries-old mercury pollution hidden in the ocean threatens arctic wildlife - EurekAlert!

Reusable Chinese Rocket Soft-Lands in the Ocean in a New Test

David Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ is a brutal, beautiful wake-up call from the sea

Hurricanes create powerful changes deep in the ocean, study reveals - EurekAlert!

‘A love affair with the sea’: Meet a scientist who overcame hurdles to dedicate her life to studying the ocean - EurekAlert!

‘A love affair with the sea’: Meet a scientist who overcame hurdles to dedicate her life to studying the ocean - EurekAlert!

South Africa Is Rising Up Out of The Ocean, Scientists Reveal