ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ocean exploration

Do you like going to the beach and playing in the water? The ocean is like a giant swimming pool, but it's so big that it covers most of the Earth! Scientists and explorers are very interested in studying the ocean because there are lots of cool things they can find and learn about.

To explore the ocean, scientists use special tools and machines called submarines and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can go really deep underwater. These machines can take pictures and videos of amazing creatures and places that we can't see with our own eyes.

Some scientists study the ocean to learn more about creatures that live in the water, like whales and dolphins. They also study tiny creatures and plants that are too small to see without a microscope. By studying these creatures, scientists can learn more about how the ocean works and how it affects the rest of the planet.

Other scientists study the ocean floor to learn about the Earth's history. They can find old rocks and fossils that tell us what the planet was like a long, long time ago. They can also find underwater volcanoes and mountains that we never knew existed before.

Exploring the ocean is really important because it helps us understand how our planet works and how we can protect it. We need to take care of the ocean and make sure that we don't do anything to harm the creatures and plants that live there. It's like taking care of a big, beautiful swimming pool that we all share!