Oceans factfile

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Oceans Quickfacts

Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by sea and it can take 5,000 years for one drop of seawater to travel through all the world’s oceans.
Water is unique in that it is the only natural substance that is found in all three states – solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (vapour).
The world’s largest mountain chain, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is in the ocean. It is 4
times longer than the Himalayas, Andes and Rockies combined.
Salt is not the only substance found in seawater. There are also tiny traces of gold,
silver, uranium and other minerals.
Storms have claimed many lives since humans first went to sea, but they are all part
of the water cycle. Water evaporates from the ocean’s surface to form storm clouds and unstable air, leading to high winds. Clouds carry the water vapour over land and give us rain.
The UK’s geographical position and the volume of our trade make our waters some
of the busiest for shipping in the world.
Scientists believe that oceans have a significant impact on climate change. Most
meteorologists predict the world will warm between 1.4 and 5.8º C by the year 2030, unless we do something drastic to cut down the increase in greenhouse gases.
People are becoming more aware of the state of the sea. Oceans were high on the
Agenda of the Rio Summit on Environment and Development. Agenda 21 states: `Nations must commit themselves to control and reduce the pollution of the marine environment and maintain its life…’