At XPERIA: Ocean Journey, guests are able to explore the most fascinating areas of the ocean and interact with its most amazing creatures. This is done using our innovative digital technologies and immersive storytelling. Everyone would agree that the ocean is a wonderfully mystical place, which is why we are doing our best to give our guests an inside look at what goes on in the deep blue sea! In the meantime, let’s look at 4 facts about the ocean that will blow your mind:
1. Covers 70 Percent of the Surface of the Planet
You are aware that the ocean is a giant part of the Earth’s total surface area. However, did you know that it’s over 70 percent of the planet? While the water is a part of one large global ocean, oceanographers have divided it into distinct geographic regions, which is why the oceans have different names. Another mindblowing fact is that out of the 70 percent of Earth that is made up by oceans, we can only see about 20 percent. That means there is 80 percent of the ocean that humans cannot see. That is one reason why our attraction thrives to bring the stories of the sea to life!
2. Over 90 Percent of All Life on Earth
Since the ocean makes up nearly 3/4 of the surface area, it would make sense that this area would be home to the majority of the animals that live on the Earth. However, you may be surprised by how large the percentage is. Experts have estimated that about one million species live in the ocean, which would be roughly 90 percent of all living creatures. Of those one million species, about 95 percent are invertebrates, meaning things that don’t have a backbone such as jellyfish and shrimp. When you visit XPERIA: Ocean Journey, you can come face-to-face with several creatures that live in the ocean!
3. The Sun Makes the Ocean Blue
At some point in your life, you have probably heard the ocean referred to as the deep blue sea. However, most of the ocean is in fact completely dark. The ocean appears blue to the human eye because water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum. Like a filter, this leaves behind colors in the blue part of the spectrum for us to see. The ocean may also appear to be green, red, or other hues based on how the light bounces off of floating particles in the ocean. Therefore, even though the ocean appears blue most of the time, you have the sun to thank for that.
4. Huge Benefit for Humans
While the ocean is beautiful to look at, it’s also beneficial for human life. The reason is that 70 percent of the oxygen that we breathe is produced by the oceans. The majority of that comes from what is called marine photosynthesis. Sea life, such as oceanic plankton, can photosynthesize, providing us with the oxygen that we need to survive. Therefore, when we protect our oceans, we are protecting the ecosystem that gives us the oxygen we breathe and it also has impacts on the environment as a whole.
Would you like to learn more facts about the ocean? Be sure to visit our attraction in Sevierville TN for an underwater adventure that has never been done before in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!
