Visualization of Earth from space showing swirling blue and white patterns representing global ocean currents, with Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Ocean visible.

Watch: The Perpetually-Moving Ocean

NASA's visualization depicts real ocean currents from around the world, as observed in 2025.
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
  • Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Wirestock/Dreamstime.com
    The tidal flats of the Wadden Sea have a rich supply of phytoplankton, which helps attract numerous seabirds.
  • University College Cork, Ireland (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
    An expedition seeking hydrothermal vents in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce
    Learn how to prevent litter from ending up in the ocean.
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
    We have questions about hurricane season. Britannica editor John Rafferty has answers.