The Physical Ocean

The ocean comprises 71% of the earth's surface and is an integral part of every aspect of human life. Throughout history, the ocean has connected our world — through exploration and scientific inquiry, immigration and acculturation, trade, and the exploitation of maritime resources. The ocean is essential to human well-being through production of fresh water, food, energy, and medicine. Without a healthy ocean, our survival is at risk.

The sites recommended here can provide the best organized,
most comprehensive resources for answers to your ocean questions.

NOAA Climate Services Portal
  The Census of Marine Life
  Encyclopedia of Life
  EU Ocean Policy
Google Ocean
  International Polar Year
  Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
  Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
  NOAA Ocean Explorer
Ocean Governance
  The UN Atlas of the Oceans
  UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
  US Ocean Policy