Marine Chemistry

ocean · chemistry · planet science · water

Ocean is a giant lab. The ocean is like a massive chemistry experiment where salt, oxygen, carbon, and thousands of other chemicals mix together and react with each other constantly.

Cycling elements forever. Marine chemistry tracks how important elements like carbon and nitrogen travel in circles between the ocean, the air, sea creatures, and the seafloor in an endless loop called biogeochemical cycles.

Life needs ocean chemistry. The chemicals in seawater control what fish and plants can survive in different parts of the ocean, from the sunny surface to the dark, cold depths.

Humans change the mix. When we pollute the ocean or put extra carbon dioxide into the air, we're changing the chemical balance of seawater, which affects marine animals and the whole planet.

Ocean chemistry moves water. The chemicals in seawater affect how it flows and mixes, which helps distribute heat and nutrients around the whole world and shapes our climate.