The Oceans’ Depths Contain Many Secrets


The oceans are vast bodies of water holding many secrets. Submarines cannot handle all of the pressure in the oceans, so while we know some facts about them, there remains much to learn.

Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. Ocean floors are 13,100 feet deep, so no sunlight reaches the animals who live there. As a result, they have adapted to living with no light.

There are many different geological formations on ocean floors, like volcanoes. Water goes into volcanoes, where it can get as hot as 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the amount of pressure here, the water does not boil. Instead, the hot water dissolves minerals, which creates hydrothermal vents or “black smokers.’’ These volcanic vents create ocean ridges.

Bacteria live around the black smokers. Animals such as giant tube worms, clams, fish, and blind white shrimp feed off the bacteria. In this way, the vents support an entire aquatic ecosystem.

Although we know many facts about oceans, much of them remains a well-guarded secret.

[Source: The King Fisher Young People’s Book of Planet Earth ]

Very informative and well-written, Eleanor! – Karen , Wauwatosa (2018-02-05 13:27)
Eleanor you are so talented. – Elena Meloy , Madison (2018-08-24 09:41)
Name

Location

Email

Comment