Facts About the Oceans for Kids
Oceans are amazing wonders of nature that cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface. They are home to countless creatures and play a vital role in the balance of the Earth’s environment. Here are some interesting facts about oceans that kids may find fascinating:
1. Oceans are made up of saltwater – The water in oceans is not suitable for humans to drink, because it is filled with salt. In fact, oceans contain about 97% of the Earth’s water, and only 3% of it is freshwater.
2. The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world – The Pacific Ocean covers an area of about 64 million square miles and is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.
3. The ocean is home to many amazing creatures – There are over 230,000 known species in the ocean, with millions more still undiscovered. Some of the unique creatures found in the ocean include jellyfish, sharks, whales, dolphins, and octopuses.
4. Coral reefs are found in the ocean – Coral reefs are unique underwater structures that are made up of tiny sea creatures called coral polyps. They are home to many different animals and plants and are an essential part of the ocean ecosystem.
5. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef – Located off the coast of Australia, The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth, stretching over 1,400 miles.
6. The ocean is the Earth’s largest source of oxygen – The ocean produces about 70% of the world’s oxygen, which is essential for all living things.
7. There are five oceans in the world – The five oceans are the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
8. The ocean is important for regulating the Earth’s climate – The ocean helps to regulate the Earth’s temperature by absorbing and storing heat. It also plays a vital role in the water cycle, which is essential for life on Earth.
9. The ocean offers many resources – The ocean provides us with many resources, such as fish, shellfish, oil, and natural gas. It is also an important source of renewable energy, like wind and wave power.