Ocean science

Understand how the ocean works and see how it impacts all life on Earth

Historic photograph showing HMS Challenger at the naval base at Bermuda, West Indies

The Challenger Expedition

The 19th century voyage that transformed our understanding of the ocean
Two figures kneel on the ice and look out at a landscape of broken ice and seawater. Another figure is standing behind them, silhouetted against the Sun

Witnessing the loss of an Arctic ecosystem

A rare environment. A shocking transformation. Researchers Anna Crawford and Joseph Shoapik observe the effects of the collapse of the Milne Ice Shelf
A type of world map known as a Spilhaus Projection, presenting the ocean as one single body of water. This version was created for display at the National Maritime Museum

Turning our view of the world inside out: introducing the new Ocean Map

The National Maritime Museum's Ocean Map reminds us just how much of the Earth is covered by water – and how important the ocean is to our planet
A lionfish, Pterois volitans, up close to the camera, showing off its long red and white striped fanned fins and big eyes

What are invasive species in the ocean?

Invasive species are everywhere in our ocean – but what does it mean when we say a species has 'invaded', and how do they spread in the first place?
Coral reef

What is coral?

Are corals really animals? What causes coral bleaching? And why are coral reefs so important? Your ocean questions answered
A person stands under an umbrella during heavy rain in Venice

Is Venice flooding getting worse?

Venice has always been at risk of flooding. But with climate change causing more damaging storms more often, is the future of this historic city under threat?
Scientist holds a slice of ice core containing bubbles

Ice cores and climate change

By extracting ice cores from Antarctica, scientists are able to travel more than 800,000 years back into Earth’s climate history
A scientists looks out from a red pyramid tent in Antarctica, with equipment and supplies dotted around the snow

What's it like to camp in Antarctica?

Find out what it's like to live and work in the Antarctic with British Antarctic Survey scientist Joanne Johnson
The UK polar research ship Sir David Attenborough lit up at night at the Cammell Laird shipyard

Where is the RRS Sir David Attenborough now?

Track the UK's polar research vessel as it carries out important scientific research with the British Antarctic Survey
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