Properties of Water

Part of Hall of Ocean Life.

"Water is about 800 times more dense than air, and 50 times more thick and viscous. Although the chemical formula of water is H2O, it actually contains about 95 percent less available oxygen than air does. All the organisms that live in water have to deal with those chemical and physical properties in some way." 
- Dr. Melanie L. J. Stiassny, Curator of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life

The resources below investigate the characteristics of water and how marine life forms adapt to them.


Article Let's Talk with Ian Harrison about How Marine Animals Breathe When in comes to breathing under water, marine organisms breathe in different ways. Some absorb oxygen through their skin, some rely... Hands-on Journey to the Bottom of the Sea Can you make it down to the ocean floor? Along the way, discover what makes water special. Reading What is Water? Did you know that all living things need water to survive? Find out more about this precious resource.