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Topic: Ocean facts

A graphic of based on satellite data using yellow and blue to show increases in the height of the Pacific Ocean sea surface, known as Kelvin waves.

Ocean Facts: What are Kelvin waves?

October 14, 2026

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El Nino, La Nina, ENSO

A graphic of based on satellite data using yellow and blue to show increases in the height of the Pacific Ocean sea surface, known as Kelvin waves.

The island of Nihoa in Hawaii's Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as seen from aboard a Polynesian canoe. Photo: Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Join us for National Ocean Month

June 1, 2026

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National Ocean Month

World Ocean Day

The island of Nihoa in Hawaii's Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as seen from aboard a Polynesian canoe. Photo: Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

A red life ring hangs on a post at the beach with large rocks embedded in the sand. The words “Blue IQ” are across the image.

Know your Blue IQ? NOAA launches new beach safety campaign

June 25, 2025

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A red life ring hangs on a post at the beach with large rocks embedded in the sand. The words “Blue IQ” are across the image.

A view from a seaside cliff of four kayakers paddling in the ocean with a rocky island in the background

NOAA’s National Ocean Service: Working for you!

March 5, 2025

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coastal economies

A view from a seaside cliff of four kayakers paddling in the ocean with a rocky island in the background

Two children are seen from behind looking at the cover of an activity book featuring a cartoon fish surrounded by marine debris. The cover reads "Understanding Marine Debris: Games and Activities for Kids of All Ages."

Dive into science activities for kids of all ages

November 23, 2020

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Two children are seen from behind looking at the cover of an activity book featuring a cartoon fish surrounded by marine debris. The cover reads "Understanding Marine Debris: Games and Activities for Kids of All Ages."

A wave cresting in the open ocean.

Get the facts that bust 5 common myths about the ocean

September 2, 2020

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A wave cresting in the open ocean.

A fish-eye view of the wake of a ship out at sea. Here's an ocean fact: The surface layer of the ocean is teeming with photosynthetic plankton. Though they're invisible to the naked eye, they produce more oxygen than the largest redwood trees.

Ocean Fact: How much oxygen comes from the ocean?

June 17, 2020

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A fish-eye view of the wake of a ship out at sea. Here's an ocean fact: The surface layer of the ocean is teeming with photosynthetic plankton. Though they're invisible to the naked eye, they produce more oxygen than the largest redwood trees.

A woman standing on a flat rock ledge of a beach looks out at the blue ocean off the coast of Norway. Tall mountains lay in the distance. Undated 2019 image.

A healthy and biodiverse ocean starts with all of us

June 1, 2020

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World Ocean Day

A woman standing on a flat rock ledge of a beach looks out at the blue ocean off the coast of Norway. Tall mountains lay in the distance. Undated 2019 image.

Phytoplankton blooms in the Barents Sea, visible as green and white swirls, captured in space by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 10, 2014.

Oceanic drifters: All about plankton

April 10, 2020

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Phytoplankton blooms in the Barents Sea, visible as green and white swirls, captured in space by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 10, 2014.

Biological debris that falls from higher in the water column is also known as marine snow. Some flakes fall for weeks before finally reaching the ocean floor.

Does it snow in the ocean? See for yourself

December 4, 2019

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Biological debris that falls from higher in the water column is also known as marine snow. Some flakes fall for weeks before finally reaching the ocean floor.

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