Sea



A sea is a large body of salt water that is surrounded in whole or in part by land. More broadly, the sea (with the definite article) is the interconnected system of the planet's salty, oceanic waters—considered as one global ocean or as several principal oceanic divisions. The sea moderates the planet’s climate and has important roles in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle. The scientific study of the sea is termed oceanography.

The sea is an essential aspect of trade, travel, mineral extraction, and power generation. This has also made it essential to warfare and left major cities exposed to earthquakes and volcanoes; powerful tsunami waves; and hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones produced in the tropics. This importance and duality has affected Terran culture, from prehistory to today. It is the scene of leisure activities. However, population growth, industrialization, and intensive farming have all contributed to marine pollution. Atmospheric carbon dioxide may be absorbed in increasing amounts, lowering its pH in a process known as ocean acidification. The shared nature of the sea makes proper resource management an increasing problem.

For detailed information on Terra's seas; Terran Seas 