The Ocean

Gulf Oil Spill

  • Photo: Oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico

    Dangers of Deep-Water Drilling

    Is Another Disastrous Oil Spill Inevitable?

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More About the Oil Spill

  • Illustration: A painting of the layers of flora and fauna in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Layers of Life

    Examine the creatures that inhabit the gulf and its wetlands, and see how they have been affected by the disaster.

  • A boat cuts through surface oil near the Deepwater Horizon blowout.

    Gulf Spill Dispersants Long-lasting

    Massive amounts of dispersants pumped into the Gulf of Mexico to break up the BP oil spill lingered for months, new research shows.

  • Photo: Workers cleaning up oil in the Gulf of Mexico

    Forlorn in the Bayou

    Louisiana’s wetlands are resilient and have bounced back before. But no one knows how long this recovery will take.

Educator Resources

Teach students about the effects of oil spills on the natural environment and on human culture.

Gulf Oil Spill Videos

Ocean Topics

National Geographic Magazine

  • Photo: Waves crashing over rocks covered with sea grass and kelp

    Tide Pools Pictures

    A cast of thousands clings to rocky real estate in a narrow strip of shore called the intertidal zone.

  • Photo: Parrotfish smile, Heron Island Great barrier Reef, Australia

    Great Barrier Reef Photo Gallery

    From tiny coral polyps grew a marvel: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Could it all come crumbling down?

  • Photo: Seafloor bubbling due to the higher levels of CO2

    The Acid Sea

    Carbon dioxide we pump into the air is seeping into the ocean and slowly acidifying it.

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Your Ocean

  • Photo: Clown anemonefish

    For Kids

    Learn about the ocean with activities, photos, and games.

  • Photo: A school of fish and a shark swim in a coral reef.

    Ocean Education

    Bring engaging and important ocean learning to your classroom.

Support the Ocean

Explore the Ocean

  • shark-eden-ocena-store-promo.jpg

    Ocean Life

    Order ocean books, DVDs, maps, and more from the National Geographic online store.

  • Photo: Leopard seals on a glacier

    Ocean Special Issue

    Explore the world's oceans, from their prehistoric beginnings to modern-day efforts to preserve their natural wonder.

  • Photo: Ocean Atlas from National Geographic

    Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas

    Immerse yourself in the wonders of the deep through colorful maps, photos, and satellite images.