Life in the Oceans
The ocean is the Earth’s largest ecosystem. The organisms within it take almost as much carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere as all the world’s forests and grasslands combined and provide a key source of food through fisheries. Despite its importance, it is still poorly understood with over 90% of the open ocean in perpetual darkness and new species frequently discovered.
Plankton
Named in Greek after their tendency to go wherever the currents take them, the teeming microscopic plankton form the foundation of the marine ecosystem.
Extreme environments
From the frozen polar seas, to naturally super-heated chemical ‘chimneys’, marine life has found a way to exist and to thrive.
The Twilight Zone
Below the sunlit surface waters lies a dimly lit region whose occupants control a vital link in the global carbon cycle.
Stirring stuff
Without the ocean's currents there would be no life in the sea.
Life on the sea floor
Under pressures equivalent to a hatchback balancing on a one pound coin a fantastic diversity of life has evolved.
Ecosystem modelling
The ocean's ecosystems perform services for mankind of a value no country could afford to emulate.
Projects and collaborations
The diversity of marine life and ecosystems are mirrored by the international networks of biologists, chemists and physicists who study it.
Research Groups
Click on the links below to find out more about the NOC science and technology groups involvement in Life in the Oceans research -
