TED-Ed - Term 2 Week 1

How big is the ocean? - Scott Gass

While the Earth’s oceans are known as five separate entities, there is really only one ocean. So, how big is it? As of 2013, it takes up 71% of the Earth, houses 99% of the biosphere, and contains some of Earth’s grandest geological features. Scott Gass reminds us of the influence humans have on the ocean and the influence it has on us.

1. The percentage of Earth’s biosphere that is not encompassed by the ocean is…

2. The term “One Ocean” refers to…

3. What is the world’s tallest mountain?

4. The ocean currently represents approximately ___ of Earth’s surface and ___ of Earth’s total water content.

5. Evidence of human influence is found in what part of the ocean?

6. What factors – physical, historical, and otherwise – have contributed to the traditional identification of multiple “oceans” versus the concept of a single, global ocean?

7. In terms of both physicality and perspective, what influences support the existence of singular geologic features (e.g. Mauna Kea, Challenger Deep, etc.) within the Earth’s ocean versus a continental setting?

8. Does the ocean always have the same surface area and volume? Why?