The concept of a single world ocean emphasizes the interdependence of ocean and land, life and water, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and natural and human-made environments.

Over 97% of all surface water on Earth resides in the ocean.

Although oceanographers may specialize in one particular area of study, the nature of the science is interdisciplinary, meaning that marine scientists must have a general knowledge of all areas of oceanography in order to study the system as a whole.

Once established, a Scientific Theory is always correct and cannot be changed.

Earth’s early atmosphere was similar to the present day atmosphere, composed mostly of oxygen and nitrogen.

Longitudinal lines run parallel to the equator.

One of the conditions necessary for a planet to have a permanent ocean of liquid water is to have a solid core.

The fact that all life cells depend on saline water suggests that life evolved in the ocean.

During the early years of Earth, lighter elements such as silicon, magnesium, and aluminum rose to the surface, forming Earth’s crust.

The ocean is as old as the Earth.

Researchers have drilled all the way to Earth's core.

Geologists of the mid-twentieth century determined that the ocean floor was much older than the centers of continents.

Oceanic crust is thinner than continental crust.

The Hawai'ian Islands coincide with a tectonic plate boundary.

New oceanic crust is created at Mid-ocean ridges.

Plate Tectonic Theory describes how the relative motion of Earth's tectonic plates controls the distribution of landforms.

Seismic shadow zones confirmed the presence of Earth's core.

Surface seismic waves cause most of the property damage suffered in an earthquake.

Early scientists were in agreement about the age of Earth.

Magma typically rises to Earth's surface at transform boundaries.