What Causes Tsunamis? A Guide to How Tsunamis Form
Tsunamis are long, tall waves that can be disastrous to anything nearby. But what causes tsunamis? 80% start from earthquakes. And how do tsunamis form?
Oceans
Ocean Salinity: How Much Salt is in Oceans?
Oceans are salty because runoff transports minerals and salts from the surface. When ocean evaporates from heat, salt remains in the ocean and water rises.
Coral Reef Facts: Ocean Biodiversity Hotspots
Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots for ocean life. Remarkably, about 1/4 of marine species reside in them. So the spotlight is on coral reefs for protection.
Ocean Exploration: 20% Explored, 80% Unexplored
We’ve mapped 100% of oceans at 5 km resolution using satellite radar. We’ve mapped 20% with bathymetry sonar. But nearly 80% of oceans have gone unexplored.
How Much Water Is on Earth?
Water is in the ground, on the surface, in the air and in our bodies. But how much global water distribution is in glaciers, groundwater, rivers and lakes?
Did Earth’s First Water Come from Comets, Volcanoes or Asteroids?
2 theories exist for the origin of water on Earth: Did comets transport water? Or was there degassing from volcanoes from rocks existing within the crust?
What Causes Ocean Tides?
When the moon is close to Earth, its gravitational pull stretches the side it’s facing. Because oceans hold a set amount of water, levels rise in one area.
How Much Will Sea Level Rise?
As temperatures surge, sea levels rise with it. This is because melting ice sheets add to total water volume. By 2100, water levels could rise 32-68 inches.
What are the 5 Oceans of the World?
Since the year 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) started recognizing 5 oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Southern Ocean.
The Major Ocean Currents of the World
Ocean currents are like giant conveyor belts moving huge amounts of water all the time. Wind, temperature and salt gradients all influences ocean currents.