This press release summarizes the results of research on sediment cores taken from the subtropical Atlantic Ocean. Analyses of organic molecules from planktonic algae in the sediments indicates that large and abrupt temperature changes in warm areas of the ocean occurred at the end of the last glacial period. Full description.

This resource uses text, images, maps and a laboratory exercise to explain how differences in the temperature and salinity of ocean water cause the formation of deep-ocean currents. It is part of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's "Ocean Surface Topography from Space" website. This material is also available on the "Visit to An Ocean Planet" CD-ROM. Full description.

This site explains how temperature, pressure, and salinity work together to determine the density of ocean water. The three density layers of the ocean are described by means of text description and a graphic illustration. Full description.

This is the homepage of the U.S. Navy's research lab in Monterey, California. Visitors can access materials on the lab's six major fields of endeavor: marine geosciences, acoustics, oceanography, marine meteorology, remote sensing, and space science. Links are provided to information on the lab's research projects, product demonstrations, a list of publications, collaborative projects in participation ... Full description.

This collection of classroom activities covers ocean study topics such as climate and the degree to which the ocean controls climate, physical properties of the ocean (density, salinity, currents, and others), and the scale of ocean life and life support structures. Each activity features an overview, concepts, a materials list, and instructions. Highlighted terms are linked to a glossary. Full description.

This virtual tour of the Smithsonian Institution's Ocean Planet exhibit can be navigated by clicking on the floor plan which is pictured, or it can be searched by image, subject, or topic outline. Links to educational materials and to a special curator's tour are also included. Full description.

This archive of ocean-color imagery produced by SeaWiFS and Aqua-MODIS contains images from 2002 to the present. The images are viewable in a variety of formats: chlorphyll concentration, sea surface temperature, aerosol index, smoke index, and many others. Yearly, seasonal, monthly, weekly, or daily images are available. Full description.

The ocean and atmosphere continually exchange particles and gases in a kind of ongoing "dialogue" that influences regional and global climate. This site explains the chemical link between the ocean and atmosphere. Emphasis is on the ocean's ability to store and release water vapor and carbon dioxide, both of which contribute to the greenhouse effect. Features include text, a scientific illustration, ... Full description.