Open Ocean

This section looks at questions of geography, ecology and wildlife of the 'open oceans'.

There are many oceans and seas. Biologically, two of the biggest most distinct areas is the Southern Ocean, that wraps completely around the bottom of the planet, and the Tropical Seas that fill the equatorial region.

First, some general questions about the oceans and their weather...
What is the difference between ocean and sea?
Why is the sea blue?
How is the ocean involved in the Earth's weather patterns?

When we travel on the ocean, or we stare at the edge of it on the seashore, we are always aware of the constant waves.
What causes waves?
What is the biggest wave ever recorded?
What causes tidal waves?

Underneath the water on the open sea are a range of animals. Some of them are well known for being dangerous. How dangerous is the blue bottle jellyfish?

Most notorious are the sharks.
What is the difference between a shark and a ray?

There are many other fish in the sea besides sharks. What is the correct plural for fish - fish or fishes?

Perhaps the most famous group of animals of the ocean are the whale and dolphins.
What is the difference between a whale and a dolphin?
What is a dolphin?

Humans have long been a large part of the ocean fauna, as explorers, exploiters and researchers. What kind of research is there in marine biology?

Exploring the ocean continues today with tourism. Many of us spend part or much of our leisure time near or on the ocean.

Ecosystem Guides book: "Ocean surfaces of Australasia"