Journals

Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals lose their symbiotic algae and turn white. Bleached coral is alive, but prolonged heat can cause…

Ocean acidification happens as seawater absorbs carbon dioxide, lowering pH and changing carbonate chemistry needed by corals and shell-forming life.

Rip currents are narrow flows moving away from shore. Learn how they form, how to spot one and what to do if…

Most tsunamis begin when an undersea earthquake suddenly displaces water. Learn other causes, warning signs and why a tsunami is not a…

El Niño warms and La Niña cools the central and eastern tropical Pacific, shifting winds, rainfall, upwelling and weather around the world.

The Gulf Stream is a fast, warm current in the western North Atlantic. Learn its route, speed, climate influence and relationship to…

Ocean currents are driven by wind, tides and density differences. Learn how surface and deep circulation move heat, nutrients and marine life.

Tides are long waves driven mainly by the Moon’s gravity and modified by the Sun, coastline and seabed. Understand high, low, spring…

Most ocean waves are created by wind transferring energy to water. Learn how fetch, swell, seafloor depth and storms shape the waves…

Discover where the Mariana Trench is, how deep Challenger Deep reaches, how it formed and what can live under extreme pressure.