Introduction

The ocean; one of man's greatest mysteries! Waves crashing into rocks and sand! Volcanoes erupting from beneath its depths! Schools of fish swimming through miles of coral reef! The sun reflecting in beautiful hues as it sets off the surface of this magnificent natural phenomenon.
Approximately 75% of the Earth's surface (an area of some 139,000,000 sq mi) is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep. Average oceanic salinity is around 35 parts per thousand (3.5%), and nearly all seawater has a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt. Scientists estimate that 230,000 marine life forms of all types are currently known, but the total could be up to 10 times that number!

Now that you have learned some facts about the oceans you will take a journey into these deep bodies of water to do some exploring of your own! Venture into depths that have yet to be charted to look for creatures that have rarely been seen by human eyes! Travel through underwater canyons while dodging streams and fountains of molten volcanic lava as you witness the true power of Earth's tectonic forces! Explore ways to save our beautiful oceans from man's continuous destruction and pollution! Put on your scuba gear, and get ready to dive in!

Academic Standards for Science and Technology

3.5.7.D Explain the Behavior and Impact of the Earth's Water Systems
3.5.10.D Assess the Value of Water as a Resource

1.8.7 A. Select and refine a topic for research.
B. Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.
C. Organize and present the main ideas from research.

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