Grateful for the Oceans

Day 27: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Besides the exquisite beauty of the oceans, their depth and expansiveness is truly amazing. The oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface.

I know I already shared a post of gratitude for walks on the beach and love of having sand between my toes. I also focused on gratitude for the powerful crashing of the waves. Today I want to highlight the oceans themselves. 

The flow of ocean currents move warm and cold water to different parts of the planet, effecting climate and weather conditions. Currents help cool off hotter parts of the planet and add warmth to areas that would be uncomfortably cold. Without the benefit of this process of regulating planetary temperatures, there would be more areas with intense climates, difficult for humans to live.

Did you know...

• the average depth of the oceans is about 14,000 feet, equal to 40 football field.
• ocean plants provide half the oxygen in the atmosphere.
• the kelp forests grow up to 18 inches a day.
• about 95% of the oceans remain unexplored.
• 94% of life on Earth is in the sea.

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." ~ John F. Kennedy