It might seem like a given, but it’s worth noting just how expansive the ocean is. The Earth’s oceans cover about 71% of the planet’s surface, with the Pacific Ocean alone making up more than one-third of that area. It’s so vast that the space between continents and countries often feels smaller compared to the endless stretch of water that connects them. No matter where you are on Earth, you’re never more than about 200 miles from an ocean.
Though we’ve explored much of the Earth’s land and shallow waters, the deep ocean remains one of the least explored places on the planet. In fact, it’s estimated that we’ve only explored about 5% of the ocean—meaning that more than 95% of the ocean remains unknown to us. There are still countless undiscovered species, underwater landscapes, and geological features waiting to be revealed.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the deep ocean is its ability to sustain life in extreme conditions. Organisms that live deep below the surface have adapted to survive in high-pressure, pitch-black environments, often in temperatures close to freezing.