World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8, every year. The day is in place to create awareness among the people of the ocean’s benefits. The ocean covers 70% of the planet and is our life source. It supports our sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is considered home to most of the earth’s biodiversity. Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

The theme for this year’s World Oceans Day is – “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods“. 

Here are 10 mind-blowing facts about the big, vast ocean.

-Around 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. And the oceans hold about 96.5% of all water on Earth.

-The largest ocean on Earth is the Pacific Ocean. It covers around 30% of the Earth’s surface.

-The name “Pacific Ocean” is derived from the Latin name Tepre Pacificum, which means “peaceful sea”.

-The deepest known area of the Earth’s oceans is the Mariana Trench. Its deepest point measures 11km.

-Almost 70% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by the oceans.

-The Ocean homes the world’s largest living structure – the Great Barrier Reef. It measures around 2,600km.

-To date, only 5% of the world’s oceans have been explored.

-The longest mountain range in the world is found underwater. The Mid-Oceanic Ridge stretches over 56,000km.

-According to the World Register of Marine Species there are now 240,470 accepted species. And it is believed that it is just a small proportion of the species that exist.

-Finding rivers and lakes under the ocean is very much possible.