Oceans
Describe characteristics of the ocean, including movement, topography, life, and effects on the planet.
With over 70 percent of the planet’s surface covered by water, most of which is in the world’s seas and oceans, the oceans’ most important role is to regulate Earth’s weather and climate. Humans are very interactive with and influenced by the oceans.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, http://www.unep.org/urban_environment/issues/coastal_zones.asp, “Half the world’s population lives within 60 km (37 miles) of the sea, and three-quarters of all large cities are located on the coast.”
The World Bank,
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSDNET/0,,contentMDK:23168627~pagePK:64885161~piPK:64884432~theSitePK:5929282,00.html, states that about 61% of the GNP for the world is produced within 62 miles of the coast. The oceans are an important food producing source, producing 16% of the protein consumed in the world but overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss have led to degradation of the oceans.
Humans need to be good stewards and manage the ocean resources better to ensure that the oceans are healthy, biodiverse, and productive.
Research the characteristics of the ocean, including movement, topography, life, and effects on the planet.
Write a short explanation response, addressing the following:
Tides (causes and patterns)
Landforms
Sea level rise (thermal expansion, glacier melt, subsidence)
