Question

Explain some of the ocean’s other benefits besides supplying us with water.

Answer 1

The ocean moderates the Earth's climate. Most solar radiation occurs at the Equator, whereas the poles receive little radiation. The ocean transport warm water from the Equator toward the poles and cold water from the poles back to the Equator. The oceans provide a habitat for much of the marine life exploited by humans, such as harvested fish. The oceans act as a massive carbon sink, as phytoplankton absorb carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The ocean also provides a medium for large scale transportation of goods through shipping. It is unlikely that vehicles as large as container ships could ever be transported over land.