The oceans are a large part of the Earth’s water shell. It is a continuous space that washes the continents and the islands adjacent to them. The waters of the entire oceans differ in the same salt composition. The resources of the oceans play a big role for humanity. Their number and variety can provide people with everything necessary for life. A more rational use of useful reserves will solve many problems that are associated with a lack of fresh water, raw materials and food.
The resources of the oceans are divided into energy, animals, mineral and vegetable. Let us consider in more detail each of these categories.
Biological resources, in turn, are divided into animal and plant organisms that live in the vast waters of the oceans. A variety of biological resources in this part of the planet is 140 thousand species. This indicates the diversity and richness of the oceans. The most demanded of biological resources are animals that live in large numbers in the water column. Plants and animals, which are called benthic organisms, are not used so actively. Algae extraction occurs on a larger scale. They are used in industry for the production of paper, glue, fabric, medicines and much more. Biological resources make up about 20 percent of the protein that a person consumes.
All the mineral resources of the oceans are also very diverse. Naturally, the main resource is water. In addition to its desalination, which is especially important for humanity, about 75 chemical elements are mined. Bromine, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, as well as some side compounds that are also necessary, are extracted from water.
The natural resources of the oceans are found not only in the water column, but also at the bottom of the ocean. A large amount of ore is mined from the surface. Among them are iron ore, coal, gas, sulfur, oil, diamonds, manganese and other minerals. The resources of the oceans include sand, gravel and shell rock.
All ocean waters are in constant motion. They affect the climate and the water cycle that occurs in nature. It is the movement of water that is the source of energy resources. This includes wave energy, tidal power, which reaches 6 billion kW per hour, and temperature conditions. Ocean energy in our country exceeds the potential of hydroelectric power plants. Also, the oceans are a source of fuel, which will later be used at fusion stations.
The resources of the oceans are used by man in various fields of activity. As a source of food, it exists for a long time. Since ancient times, the waters of the ocean served as a place for the extraction of fish and other organisms. But with the development of mining, chemical industry, energy and other areas of science, the role of resources of the oceans has become more significant.
The oceans are not only a sphere of the global economy, but also an area of political life. In the world there is a division and conquest of the spheres of influence of this part of the planet. Moreover, the resources of the oceans and their direct extraction are the main object of these relations.
The oceans are the concentration of all aspects of human life. Therefore, the rational use of its resources is necessary. Some of their varieties are capable of self-reproduction, but this requires time and respect from people. Only in this case, it is possible to count on the constant replenishment of stocks and the solution of many of the issues that confront everyone in the world.