The Oceans WebQuest & Project Exploring Earth’s Vast and Vital WatersEssential QuestionHow do the oceans support life, regulate Earth’s climate, and shape the planet? BackgroundOceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth’s surface and contain most of the planet’s water. They influence weather, climate, and the movement of energy around the globe. Oceans are home to diverse ecosystems and play a major role in producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and regulating temperature. Studying the oce