Deutsch: Meer / Español: Mar / Português: Mar / Français: Mer / Italiano: Mare
The sea, the world ocean, or simply the ocean, is the connected body of salty water that covers over 70 percent of the Earth's surface. It moderates the Earth's climate and has important roles in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle.
In the industrial or industry context, "sea" refers to the oceans, bays, and other bodies of saltwater that are used for various commercial and industrial purposes. Some examples of industrial activities related to the sea include:
- Shipping: the transportation of goods and raw materials by large cargo ships
- Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling: the extraction of oil and natural gas from underwater wells
- Fishing: the commercial harvesting of fish, shellfish, and other sea creatures
- Dredging: the removal of sediment, sand, and other materials from the sea floor to maintain or deepen navigable waterways
- Port Operations: the handling and storage of cargo, including containers, at major ports and harbors
- Desalination: the treatment of seawater to remove salt and other impurities to produce drinking water.