The geographic truth beneath our prosperity is as naturally sung by our bards as the olive oils and wine-dark sea at the heart of Greek culture were sung by theirs.

NEWYORKER: Faces, Places, Spaces

Storm surges have the potential to be dangerous because they involve a great upwelling of a stretch of ocean - intense low pressure at the heart of a storm literally tugs the sea surface above its normal level to create a massive bulge.

BBC: Legacy of Britain's great flood

Another project which Mr Putin is determined should go ahead is Russia's South Stream gas pipeline, across the Black Sea and into the heart of the European Union.

BBC: Struggle for Central Asian energy riches

These microscopic creatures are at the heart of the ocean food chain, and all sea life depends on them.

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Worst' sea bird breeding season

Set yourself up in style as the sumptuously renovated 17th century convent Santa Clara, owned by Sofitel, overlooking the sea and located right in the heart of the historic district, a line of horse drawn carriages waits outside to whisk you away into the night.

FORBES: Cartagena Bay - Colombia