Hey there! Squeaks just got back from an exciting vacation to California, and he had a blast exploring the beach. He even brought back some cool stories and pictures to share!
When Squeaks first arrived at the beach, he used all his senses. He heard the loud crashing waves and smelled the fresh sea air. The sand felt soft under his wheels, even though it’s made from tiny pieces of rock. Isn’t it amazing how the waves break down rocks into smooth sand?
Squeaks had fun building sandcastles, but the ocean waves eventually knocked them down. That’s okay because it meant he could build another one! When he swam in the ocean, he noticed the water was cold and salty. Did you know the salt in the ocean comes from rocks? Rainwater breaks off tiny pieces of rocks, which wash into rivers and eventually reach the ocean, making it salty.
The ocean is home to many animals, from dolphins and whales to tiny creatures called plankton. Plankton are so small you need a microscope to see them, but they’re super important. Some plankton make oxygen, and others are food for bigger ocean animals. Even the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, eats tiny plankton called krill!
Waves are created by wind and the moon’s gravity. The moon’s pull causes tides, making the water rise and fall on the beach. Sometimes, the waves can be huge, like tsunamis, which are caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanoes.
Squeaks got inspired by his trip and decided to design his own sea monster! He learned about ancient ocean creatures like plesiosaurs and mosasaurs, which had flippers and long tails. He also discovered Dunkleosteus, a fish with bony armor, and Megalodon, a giant shark with sharp teeth. Using these ideas, Squeaks created a fantastic sea monster with flippers, a strong tail, armor, and serrated teeth!
Even though Squeaks’ sea monster is cool, the real blue whale is even more incredible. Blue whales are the largest animals ever, growing over 30 meters long. They eat tons of tiny krill every day and communicate with each other through beautiful songs that can be heard miles away.
Isn’t it fascinating how much there is to learn about the ocean and its creatures? Next time you visit the beach, think about all the amazing things happening in the water!
