10 Fascinating Facts About Our Oceans
The oceans are as important to Hawaii as the land itself. The water was a bountiful resource to the earliest inhabitants of the islands and crystal blue waters are an endless source of beauty for everyone lucky enough to see them. Here are some amazing facts about one of Hawaii and the world’s most valuable resource!
- 97% of the world’s water is contained in oceans –And 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by it!
- 28 major groups of animals live the world’s oceans. Only 11 groups live on land!
- The world’s tallest mountain is found in the Pacific Ocean. It is named Mauna Kea.
- Scuba diving in our oceans is safer than driving, skydiving, and even marathon running! Better dive in on your next Hawaii trip!
- Oceans are blue because water absorbs the red light of the color spectrum leaving only the blue for our eyes to see!
- It takes 1000 years for water to complete a continuous journey around the world! This is known as the global ocean conveyor belt!
- The average depth of the ocean is 12,100 feet! That is pretty deep!
- 97% of earth’s habitat space is found in the water covering the globe.
- 1% of the ocean floor is covered by coral reef – but 25% of all marine species call the reefs home. Some coral can live as deep as 3.8 miles below the surface.
- Only 5% of the ocean floor has been mapped in detail.
Obviously the ocean is important to fish, animals and humans. It is so vast that there is still much we do not know about it. Scientists believe there are as many as 2 million to 50 million species that have yet to be discovered or classified correctly! It is our job to protect the water that surrounds are islands and educate ourselves about the many creatures that call its depths home.
NORTH SHORE SHARK ADVENTURES
Haleiwa Harbor
66-105 Haleiwa Rd
Haleiwa, HI 96712
Call 808.228.5900