Pictures of the earth taken from space allow us to see how unique planet earth looks compared to other planets. This difference is liquid water on the surface, making the planet appear as a big blue marble floating in the inky blackness of space.

The presence of liquid water, indicating a surface temperature within the range of 0-100 degrees Celcius, is unique both in the Solar System and the currently explored universe. Water has allowed the development and maintenance of life on this planet.

The first time a primitive human tasted the saltiness of seawater, the field of chemical oceanography was born. Chemical oceanography is the study of the chemical components and properties of seawater and their distributions in the oceans. In this module we will explore some aspects of the chemistry of the oceans. Join us in our exploration!

Please click on the following highlighted sections:

• How Did the Oceans Form?
• How do We Learn about the Ocean?
• What is in Seawater?
• How does Seawater Chemistry affect Marine Life?
• Products from the Ocean
• Humans' Impacts on the Ocean
• Oceans and Politics
• Test Yourself
• Activities
• Additional Resources and Bibliography
  

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