Ocean Facts

We, in KK, live near the ocean. So you would expect the residents of KK to love and respect the ocean. But still our actions are polluting the ocean. So maybe some of us do not understand that what we do on land can have devastating effect to the ocean and our marine friends living in the ocean.

Here are some facts about the ocean.

1. Ocean covers 71% of the Earth's surface and that is about 362 million sq. km. Imagine when sea level rises due to global warming. Where are we going to live?

2. 97% of Earth's water is contained in the ocean.

3. The first 10ft of the ocean holds as much heat as our entire atmosphere. Ocean plays a big role in regulating Earth's temperature and also our weather.

4. 80% of marine pollution comes from activities we do on land. Those plastics on our beaches must comes from us!

5.The ocean generates 75% of the world's oxygen. And we need oxygen to live. So our survival depends on the ocean and the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our environment.

6. The ocean purifies 50% of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans. Planktons in the ocean take up carbon dioxide and it is transported downwards in the ocean.

7. 90% of volcanic activities occurs in the ocean.

8. The deepest part of the ocean is called Challenger Deep which is about 11km in the ocean. Mount Kinabalu is only slightly 4km above sea level!

9. The ocean would rise 66m if all the world's ice melted.

10. Every year, rubbish is dumped into the ocean in the amount of 3 times more than the amount fish caught.


The ocean is indeed interesting and important to us. Maybe this will start of your curiosity to learn more about our ocean. The best way to know more about the ocean is by jumping into it! You can scuba dive or you can simply put on a mask and a snorkel. Our reefs here in KK is quite shallow. So go explore our ocean and have fun :)


Salha