Archive for the ‘Facts’ Category

What is a navigation response team?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 30 August, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
Navigation response teams are mobile emergency response units equipped and trained to survey waterways immediately following a hurricane. More

Filed under  Transportation> Transportation Studies...

Continue reading...

Why is the ocean salty, but rivers flowing into it are not?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 23 August, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
The saltiness of the ocean is the result of several natural influences and processes; water from rivers entering the ocean is just one of these factors.  More

Filed under  Physical Properties...

Continue reading...

What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 18 August, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
Dolphins and porpoises differ in their faces, fins, and body shapes.  More

Filed under  Animals...

Continue reading...

What is marine forensic science?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 10 August, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
Marine forensic science supports enforcement of our nation's laws which protect our nation’s valuable fisheries resources, marine mammals, and endangered species.  More

Filed under  Ocean Life (misc.)...

Continue reading...

What is an invasive species?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 6 August, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
An invasive species, also known as an exotic or nuisance species, is an organism or plant that is introduced into a new environment, where it is not native.  More

Filed under  Health...

Continue reading...

Why does the ocean get colder at depth?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 28 July, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
Cold water has a higher density than warm water. Deep water gets colder at depth because cold, salty ocean water sinks to the bottom of the ocean basins. Less dense, warmer water rises to the surface.  More

Filed under  Physical Properties...

Continue reading...

What makes the right whale “right”?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 21 July, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
The right whale got its name because it was the "right" whale to hunt--it was slow moving and floated after being killed More

Filed under  Animals...

Continue reading...

How long is the U.S. shoreline?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 14 July, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
NOAA's official value for the total length of the U.S. shoreline is 95,471 miles. More

Filed under  Coastal Management...

Continue reading...

Where is the largest estuary in the United States?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 7 July, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and is one of the most productive bodies of water in the world. More

Filed under  Currents...

Continue reading...

What is an eddy?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 28 June, 2010
Comments Off
This item was filled under Facts
General patterns of ocean flow are called currents. Sometimes theses currents can pinch off sections and create circular currents of water called an eddy.

You may have seen an eddy if you've ever gone canoeing and you see a small whirlpool of water from your paddle.. More

Filed under  Currents...

Continue reading...