Despite the fact that the ocean covers approximately 70% of Earth’s surface and plays a critical role in supporting life on our planet, our understanding of the ocean remains limited, with most of it still largely unexplored. Ocean exploration is about making discoveries, searching for things that are unusual and unexpected. As the first step in the scientific process, the rigorous observations and documentation of biological, chemical, physical, geological, and archaeological aspects of the ocean gained from exploration set the stage for future research and decision-making.

Learn more about the modern reasons for ocean exploration in our print-friendly fact sheet.

Or view the web version of this ocean fact here.