Swirling sardines, swaying kelp, drifting plankton, spawning squid, charging tuna, sharks, and dolphins. All say one thing: there is plenty to eat. Why?
Our spinning Earth stirs the oceans. In some fortunate locations, nutrients that sink to the depths are brought back to the surface. This upwelling nourishes tiny plants and animals that feed a complex web of life. During El Niño years, currents shift and upwelling decreases. Nutrients and food become scarce and the sea goes hungry.
In the Future Exhibits
- Shrink to the size of a shrimp egg and see the world of tiny ocean life.
- Stir "ocean water" and see how upwelling works.
- Build a food pyramid and see how many fish it takes to feed a sea lion.
- Explore a variety of marine habitats by steering "robotic rovers."
Habitat Journey | Ocean | Coast | Shrublands | Mountains | Mine Tunnel | Rainshadow Desert | Colorado River Delta | Midriff Islands | Gulf of California | Central Desert | Cape Region
Future Permanent
Exhibits | Exhibits
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