Dive into the deep blue sea with these fun facts about the ocean.
They are sure to make a splash with the kids in your life.
Basic Facts About the Ocean
More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water.
Many creatures rely on the ocean to provide a habitat.
Ocean water is salt water. Unfortunately, we can’t drink salt water.
The ocean is split up into five different zones based on depth.
The zones are the: sunlight zone, twilight zone, midnight zone, abyssal zone, and hadal zone.
Fun Facts About the Ocean
1. The World’s Largest Living Structure is in the Ocean
The Great Barrier Reef is called great for an excellent reason.
It has an area of 134,634 square miles and stretches for nearly 1,430 miles.
It is living and experiencing the effects of climate change.
2. Critical Minerals Are in the Ocean
Of the 50 critical minerals (minerals that aren’t used for fuel but hold an economic or national security value to the United States), 39 of them can be found in the ocean.
Some of these nonfuel, critical minerals are cobalt, lithium, nickel, and zinc.
3. The Salt from the Ocean Could Cover the Whole Surface of the Earth
If all of the salt were removed from the ocean water and spread evenly around, there would be enough salt to cover the whole surface of the Earth in a layer as high as a 40-story building.
4. The Ocean Floor Moves
Molten magma comes through when the tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust spread apart.
This magma will create a mid-ocean ridge and change the ocean floor.
5. Sea Level Changes
As the climate changes, so does the sea level.
If the climate is warmer, it causes the ice caps to melt.
The water from the ice caps will eventually run into the ocean.
If the climate is colder, the water will freeze and create ice caps.
During the ice age, the ocean was 400 feet lower than it was today because one-third of the water was in glaciers or ice.
6. There are Many Unnamed Species of Creatures in the Ocean
Oceanographers and other biologists have discovered and named over 236,000 species of marine creatures.
From sharks to sea urchins to fish and stingrays, there are a lot of creatures!
There are thought to be at least double that many marine creatures in the ocean.
This means there are still many ocean critters to be discovered and named.
While you’re learning about the different animals in the ocean, try making this adorable ocean animal craft with free templates!
7. Per Weight, There is More Garbage Added to the Ocean than Fish Caught
The amount (by weight) of fish caught by fishing (and used to feed us) has to be TRIPLED to weigh as much as the garbage that is added to the ocean each year.
Dive deeper into this fun fact about the ocean by looking into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
8. Some Fish Can Change Sex
Different species of fish have both male and female reproductive organs.
Depending on the other fish around, fish, like the clown fish, are able to switch to the opposite sex.
9. The Lowest Point on Earth is in the Ocean
The Challenger Deep is 11,034 meters deep.
It is found in the western Pacific Ocean.
Mount Everest would have to be placed at the bottom of The Challenger Deep, and there would still be a mile above Mount Everest to get to the ocean surface.
10. All the Oceans are Connected
The Global Ocean is the term used to describe the ocean as a whole.
To help identify different parts of this vast body of water, it is broken up into different oceans and seas.
Can you imagine how hard it would be to talk about a place if it wasn’t broken up into smaller seas and oceans?!
Read More About the Ocean
Ultimate Oceanpedia: The Most Complete Ocean Reference Ever by National Geographic Kids
Learn about storms, climate, animals, and so much more in this beautiful reference book all about the ocean.
There are many fun facts about the ocean included!
Ocean Animals for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Whales, Sharks, and other Marine Life by Bethanie Hestermann and Josh Hestermann
Pages dedicated to specific animals and thoughtful questions being answered are included in this read.
In addition, a box at the bottom of the page provides quick information like habitat, size, diet, and range for each creature.
Children’s Encyclopedia of Ocean Life by Claudia Martin
This book is filled with fun facts about the ocean, from the ocean shores to deep-sea critters.
It includes ocean photography and the anatomy and behavior of many sea creatures.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean
The full pages of colored pictures will surely draw kids into this book of fun facts about ocean creatures.
The pages have limited writing on them while still providing information to prevent overstimulation and to allow for a closer look at the images of the creatures.
Big Book of Blue by Yuval Zommer
If you love the “Big Book of Bugs” or the “Big Book of Beasts” books, you will surely love this book by the same author.
Different ocean habitats, explaining things like how animals breathe underwater, and helping people to discover how they can help the ocean, are all covered in this book.
Ocean Facts for Kids
The ocean is vast and full of life.
These fun facts about the ocean may spark some interest in your budding oceanographers.
The ocean is just starting to be explored, so there are sure to be many more fun facts about the ocean to come!