The connected bodies of saline water covering most of Earth's surface. Physical oceanography studies their circulation, stratification, waves and heat transport.
The elevation of the ocean surface relative to a specified reference. Global mean, local relative and instantaneous levels answer different questions. Changes of basin capacity, water amount and surface topography can alter flooded continental shelf area and the distribution of marine environments.
The depth and shape of an underwater surface. Its variation affects seismic travel times and the water-column contribution to a marine gravity anomaly.
A sequence of long waves commonly generated by rapid displacement of water, including by earthquakes and landslides.
A decrease in seawater pH, commonly associated with uptake of carbon dioxide; the water need not become acidic in the sense of pH below seven.
Anoxic, sulfide-bearing conditions in a water body. Euxinia combines oxygen absence with dissolved sulfide, potentially adding toxicity to the habitat loss caused by ocean anoxia. It is a chemical state rather than a synonym for every low-oxygen environment.
Shallow submerged continental margin extending seaward toward the shelf break.
The temperature of a specified near-surface ocean layer. Skin and bulk measurements refer to different sampling depths. Coupled variations in sea surface temperature, winds and thermocline depth are central to El Niño–Southern Oscillation.
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The term "ocean" typically refers to the vast bodies of saltwater that cover significant portions of the Earth's surface. There are five primary oceans: the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern (or Antarctic) Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, supporting diverse ecosystems, and facilitating global trade and transportation. Oceans are home to a wide range of marine life, from tiny plankton to massive whales.