The oceans

Oceans cover two-thirds of the world’s surface and are home to more species than in all the Earth's other environments put together. Despite this, we know less about the deep oceans than we do about the surface of the moon. Find out what we do know. Explore hydrothermal vents – underwater phenomena that could hold secrets to the origins of life on Earth, and dive in for a closer look at what else the oceans can tell us.

Frozen oceans - weekly journals

Scientist David Thomas spent 10 weeks in the middle of the Antarctic. Read about his adventures and the important research that he carried out with 50 other scientists.
Deep ocean

Ampire squids and other monsters – journey to the mysterious world at the bottom of the sea to explore life in the deep oceans.
Birth of an ocean (video)

Ever wondered how oceans form or where and when the next one will appear? Join us to find out.
Barnacles: Foul play is a role for specialists (video)

Although they look like molluscs, barnacles are actually related to shrimp and prawns. Phil Rainbow discusses the mysterious barnacles.
Coral reef (video)

Museum visitors and palaeontologist Brian Rosen debate newly published research on coral reefs, including the threats to their survival.
Rising temperatures and marine life (video)

Museum curators examine the first ever British barracuda, recently caught off the coast of Cornwall but typically a warm water species.
Speciation in the sea (video)

How are new species formed? In the sea, the answers to this and other related questions have remained elusive until very recently.
The warped world of deep-sea fish (video)

Fish curator James Maclaine examines some of the more bizarre fish specimens that have come from the various depths of the ocean.
Sponges: Bathroom beasties to medical miracles (video)

Discover why there's more to a sponge than just a bathroom accessory, with Museum zoologist Clare Valentine.
Hydrothermal vents

Richard Herrington examines hydrothermal vents on the seafloor and their associated animal life.