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The
terrifying mysteries underneath the ocean’s surface have compelled
sailors and scientists for centuries. From how deep the ocean truly is
to the many bizarre species that exist, there’s only so much we really
know about it. However, what we do know might make you want to rethink
your next visit to the beach. From the ocean’s supply of oxygen to its
true color, these are some surprising ocean facts most people don’t
know.
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Light can only travel 200 meters down in the ocean. Everything below
that point is totally dark and called the Aphotic Zone.
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Despite being the life blood and largest
area on Earth, 95% of the ocean remains unexplored. Meaning we haven’t
even come close to discovering what lurks beneath the surface.
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The deeper you go into the ocean the more water pressure pushes against
your body, eventually crushing your internal organs. While we don’t know
exactly the point where humans can’t dive, deep sea divers have reached
far depths but have been known to cough up blood after coming back up,
indicating their lungs were being crushed under the enormous pressure.
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Most of the ocean is full of sea life, including the plants, ocean
reefs, and sea creatures. They’re all out there, growing, spreading, and
waiting for food to come their way. So, when you’re out swimming, you’re
among the living.
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Of the ocean’s many living things is bacteria. The ocean is home to
thousands of bacteria and viruses. Many are harmless but depending on
what ocean you’re swimming in (more specifically what city), you could
contract skin rashes, hepatitis, or staph infections.
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Of the ocean’s many living things is bacteria. The ocean is home to
thousands of bacteria and viruses. Many are harmless but depending on
what ocean you’re swimming in (more specifically what city), you could
contract skin rashes, hepatitis, or staph infections.
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If we could capture just 0.1% of the total of the ocean’s kinetic energy
caused by tides, we could meet the world’s energy demand five times
over.
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The world’s ocean waters contain nearly 20 million tons of gold!
However, the gold is diluted and there currently isn’t a cost effective
method of mining it.
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Every year, sharks come closer and closer to the ocean
shores, including the notorious great white shark. Like any predator,
sharks go where the food is and while humans are not normally part of
their menu (they prefer seals), they could easily mistake you for
something that is on their menu.
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While sharks might freak you out, they’re not nearly
as dangerous as another creature lurking in the ocean-the box jellyfish.
This creature’s venomous sting packs quite a wallop. To put it in
perspective, you have a better chance of surviving the bite of a black
widow spider than a box jellyfish. What’s worse is that box jellyfish
stings are not that uncommon. More people die every year from their
sting than shark attacks. |