Shaping the Features of Earth
Principle #2
The Ocean and Life in the Ocean Shape the Features of Earth
A. Many earth materials and biogeochemical cycles originate
in the ocean. Many of the sedimentary rocks now exposed
on land were formed in the ocean. Ocean life laid down
the vast volume of siliceous and carbonate rocks.
B. Sea level changes over time have expanded and
contracted continental shelves, created and destroyed
inland seas, and shaped the surface of land.
C. Erosion—the wearing away of rock, soil and other biotic
and abiotic earth materials—occurs in coastal areas as
wind, waves, and currents in rivers and the ocean, and
the processes associated with plate tectonics move
sediments. Most beach sand (tiny bits of animals, plants,
rocks, and minerals) is eroded from land sources and
carried to the coast by rivers; sand is also eroded from
coastal sources by surf. Sand is redistributed seasonally
by waves and coastal currents.
D. The ocean is the largest reservoir of rapidly cycling carbon
on Earth. Many organisms use carbon dissolved in the
ocean to form shells, other skeletal parts, and coral reefs.
E. Tectonic activity, sea level changes, and the force of
waves influence the physical structure and landforms
of the coast.
WORLD OCEAN EXPLORER 2021
With a game capable of reaching a global audience, WORLD OCEAN EXPLORER can expand interest in ocean issues and habitats, and excite students about the infinite possibilities associated with ocean exploration. LEARN MORE.
OUTLAW OCEAN MUSIC PROJECT:
A CROSSOVER BETWEEN MUSIC & JOURNALISM
Take your pick: listen to ambient tracks, classical, electronic or hiphop. All music in this project is based on THE OUTLAW OCEAN, a New York Times best-selling book by Ian Urbina that chronicles lawlessness at sea around the world. The reporting touches on a diversity of abuses ranging from illegal and overfishing, arms trafficking at sea, human slavery, gun-running, intentional dumping, murder of stowaways, thievery of ships, and other topics. The music is an act of solidarity across geography and language, and an attempt at storytelling from written word to music. It is a captivating collection of inspired songs ranging from classical to hip hop.
