orals
SCIENTIFIC
CLASS
LOCATION
OCEAN
IUCN STATUS
HABITAT
SIZE
WHEIGHT
SPEED
LIFESPAN
POPULATION
Manta alfredi
Kona, Hawaii
Pacific Ocean
Near Threatened
Global
50 - 100 Years
A Tale of Two Oceans
There are few places on earth as unique as Panama with its two oceans in close proximity: The Pacific Ocean and The Caribbean. Volcanic activity caused the Isthmus to emerge from the sea when the tectonic plates of the north and south continents collided millions of years ago. This event is considered one of the most important geological events that has ever happened as it rerouted the ocean currents. The new path. known today as the gulf stream turned the Atlantic waters warmer affecting the climate in Europe. Precipitation patterns changed globally, the Pacific Ocean became more nutrient dense. A lot changed in the world when Panama emerged from the Sea.
In 1914 the two bodies of water where connected upon the completion of the Panama Canal, yet it is important to mention they do not blend into each other. There is a set of locks and a lake in between the two oceans.
The narrowest point of the Isthmus is 60km wide showcasing a stark contrast of biodiversity and marine landscapes on each side of the land. A large part of the two oceans are protected as part of the Global Initiative to protect 30% of the sea by 2030. The country has 2,490 km of coastline and its marine protected areas cover a total area of 98,228.25 km2; about the same size of the whole country. The efficiency of the government in protecting the Marine Protected Areas is not at par with the commitment; yet at least the intentions are heading in the right direction.
Mar de Plata
The Pacific Ocean has always been there yet it was 'discovered' by the europeans in the year ___ by __.
Caribbean Magic
The Caribbean coast of Panama has 1,295 km of predominantly white sand beaches with crystal clear water and a spectacular marine biodiversity. Here the tides do not fluctuate much. The map starts at the North with Bocas del Toro's vibrant coral activity, Followed by the province of Veraguas staring Escudo de Veraguas, then comes the province of Colon where many Spanish Galeons can be found sunk in the sea; and at the south the unique San Blas Archipielago with its 365 Islands part of the indigenous Guna Community.
The Caribbean is home to about 9% of the world's coral reefs covering about 50,000 km2. The name "Caribbean" derives from the Caribs, one of the region's dominant Native American groups at the time of European contact during the late 15th century. From the 16th century, Europeans visiting the Caribbean region identified the "South Sea" (the Pacific Ocean, to the south of the isthmus of Panama) as opposed to the "North Sea" (the Caribbean Sea, to the north of the same isthmus).[4] As of 2015 the area is home to 22 island territories and borders 12 continental countries. The geological age of the Caribbean Sea is estimated to be between 160 and 180 million years. The salinity of seawater is about 3.6% and its density is 1,023.5–1,024.0 kg/m3 (63.90–63.93 lb/cu ft). The surface water colour is blue-green to green.