The Arctic Ocean

Perched at the northernmost tip of the world, the icy Arctic Ocean is the smallest of Earth’s oceans. Its temperature rarely reaches above freezing and it is dotted with thick pack ice and craggy icebergs. The people and animals that live in this polar climate have uniquely adapted to make it their home. But this precious habitat is at risk from our warming climate, as well as pollution and industry. The oceans make up Earth’s biggest habitat. More than 70 per cent of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans and seas and they hold more than 97 per cent of Earth’s water supply. Oceans drive the world’s weather, provide half of the oxygen we breathe and provide food and livelihoods for more than a billion people. Blue Worlds explores each of the world’s five oceans and major seas in detail, looking at the different features – from wildlife and weather to landscape – that make them all individual and unique. It also looks at the threats that they face, such as global warming, overfishing and pollution.