Ocean bank movie theater. . It sustains us, surprises us, and holds mysteries we're only beginning to understand. Explore how the ocean shapes life on Earth. There are a number of key reasons why. The blue hue is Discover the Ocean Learning Hub—your gateway to trusted ocean science content. First, the ocean is the largest source of oxygen on Earth. Or even turn a brilliant pink during sunrise or sunset. According to scientists, approximately half of the planet's oxygen production originates from the sea. Learn about ocean chemistry, life and landscapes on the seafloor, plate movements, shorelines, and icy regions. One idea is that it reflects the sky. Or gray when it's stormy. And it does-on the surface. Here, the water isn't reflecting the sky. Most of this oxygen is created in the top 200 meters (656 feet) of the ocean's surface. From the coast, it may appear a deep blue on a sunny day. Explore how the ocean shapes life on Earth. At the surface and beneath, currents, gyres and eddies physically shape the coasts and ocean bottom, and transport and mix energy, chemicals, within and among ocean basins. Dive into key topics here. Within this depth, sunlight penetrates Why is the ocean blue? People have wondered this for hundreds of years. Oceans Seafloor amber may hold hints of a tsunami 115 million years ago Oddly shaped deposits of tree resin point to massive waves that struck northern Japan roughly 115 million years ago and Ocean acidification is a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily by an increase of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But if we sink below the surface, the blue color remains. Understanding how the ocean works is foundational to understanding life on this planet and to the discipline of oceanography. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. Oceanus explores the oceans in depth, highlighting the research and researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in news, features, and interviews written by magazine staff, with full-color photographs and illustrations. Without the ocean, life as we know it wouldn't be possible. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems. Easily explore by topic, media type, grade level, and educational standards. Get to know the big systems of the ocean: its cycles, circulation, zones, and connection to the atmosphere. t779h ngh3 e4f ism yjwgtt pz 7m glcw y0cc lqb