What's the difference between an ocean and a sea?
Jun 16, 2024 · A sea is generally smaller than an ocean. In fact, a sea is usually part of a larger ocean that is partially enclosed by land. Examples are the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Is sea level the same all across the ocean?
Most people are surprised to learn that, just as the surface of the Earth is not flat, the surface of the ocean is not flat, and that the surface of the sea changes at different rates around the globe.
What's the difference between seals and sea lions?
Jun 16, 2024 · Though their bodies can appear chubby, seals are generally smaller and more aquadynamic than sea lions. At the same time, their hind flippers angle backward and don't rotate. …
NOAA's National Ocean Service: Ocean Facts Category
The National Ocean Service (NOS) translates science, tools, and services into action, to address threats to coastal areas such as climate change, population growth, port congestion, and contaminants in …
What's the difference between a tide and a current?
Jun 16, 2024 · A third factor that drives currents is thermohaline circulation - a process driven by density differences in water due to temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline) in different parts of the ocean.
What is the difference between local sea level and global sea level?
This map shows trends in sea level, with arrows representing the direction and magnitude of change. Most people are surprised to learn that the surface of the ocean is not flat, and that the surface of the …
What is the Sargasso Sea? - NOAA's National Ocean Service
The Gulf Stream establishes the Sargasso Sea's western boundary, while the Sea is further defined to the north by the North Atlantic Current, to the east by the Canary Current, and to the south by the …
What are the Seven Seas? - NOAA's National Ocean Service
Feb 21, 2025 · The origin of the phrase 'Seven Seas' traces back back to ancient times. While there is only one global ocean, the seas are usually divided into the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and …
What's the difference between a nautical chart and a map?
Jun 16, 2024 · What's the difference between a nautical chart and a map? A chart is more than a map Section of a NOAA Nautical Chart. A nautical chart represents hydrographic data, providing very …
Tides and Water Levels - NOAA's National Ocean Service
The difference in height between the high tide and the low tide is called the tidal range. A horizontal movement of water often accompanies the rising and falling of the tide.