The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and harbors a wealth of mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered. In this list, we’ll uncover 25 fascinating facts about the ocean that will deepen your appreciation for its beauty and complexity.
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1. The Ocean Covers More Than Half the Planet
Over 70% of Earth’s surface is ocean, meaning land is actually the exception rather than the rule.
If Earth were shrunk to a classroom globe, most of what you’d see would be uninterrupted blue.
2. You Could Fit All Continents Inside the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is so vast that every continent could fit inside it with room to spare.
It alone covers more surface area than all land on Earth combined.
3. Most of the Ocean Is Still Unexplored
Humans have explored less than 25% of the seafloor in detail.
Large areas remain completely unmapped, even with modern satellites and sonar.
4. The Deep Ocean Is Bigger Than All Habitable Land
The deep sea makes up the largest living space on the planet by volume.
It dwarfs all environments humans can survive in without technology.
5. The Ocean Is Miles Deeper Than We Commonly Imagine
If Mount Everest were placed inside the Mariana Trench, its peak would still be more than a mile underwater.
The deepest parts of the ocean reach nearly 11 kilometers (7 miles) down.
6. Sunlight Barely Reaches the Ocean’s Interior
Sunlight effectively disappears below about 200 meters (650 feet).
Over 90% of the ocean exists in permanent darkness.
7. The Ocean Holds 97% of Earth’s Water
Nearly all of Earth’s water is saltwater in the oceans.
All freshwater lakes, rivers, glaciers, and groundwater together make up just a tiny fraction.
8. There Are Underwater Mountains Bigger Than Anything on Land
The Mid-Ocean Ridge is the longest mountain range on Earth, stretching over 40,000 miles.
Most of it lies hidden beneath thousands of feet of water.
9. The Pressure Can Crush Steel
At the deepest points, pressure exceeds 1,000 times atmospheric pressure at sea level.
Only specially engineered submersibles can survive these extreme conditions.
10. The Ocean Regulates the Planet’s Climate
The ocean absorbs over 90% of excess heat caused by greenhouse gases.
Without it, Earth’s surface temperatures would rise far more rapidly.
11. The Largest Living Structure on Earth Is Underwater
The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles.
It is so large it can be seen from space.
12. Sound Travels Farther in the Ocean Than in Air
Low-frequency sounds can travel thousands of miles underwater.
Some whale calls can be detected across entire ocean basins.
13. Humans Are Visitors in a Vast, Alien World
Only a few crewed missions have ever reached the deepest parts of the ocean.
In terms of exploration, much of the deep sea remains as unknown as distant planets.