Oceanography is the study of the deep sea and shallow coastal oceans: their biology, chemistry, geology and physics together make oceanography a richly interdisciplinary science. Although they contain most of the Earth's water and carbon and surface heat, and much of its biomass, the oceans do not operate alone.
What does oceanography teach us?
They look at physical and chemical properties and how they affect coastal areas, climate, and weather. Oceanographers work in laboratories, offices, or at sea on offshore platforms or research ships. An oceanographer has extensive knowledge of the ocean and its biology, geology, physics, and chemistry.
What are 10 facts about the ocean?
- 94 % of life on Earth is aquatic. ...
- Less than 5 percent of the Earth’s oceans have been explored. ...
- Only 3 people have been to the Mariana Trench — the deepest part of the ocean, at roughly 7 miles deep. ...
- 2/3 of marine life remains unidentified. ...
- Atlantic Ocean is getting bigger and the Pacific is getting smaller. ...
Why do we study oceanography?
Oceanography is a very important discipline for understanding the oceans, which are essential for all life on Earth and cover the majority of the Earth's surface. Oceanography is extremely multidisciplinary, covering the physics, chemistry, geology and biology of the world's oceans. No understanding of Earth's climate or the chemical cycles essential to life is complete without the insights of ...
Why did NASA stop exploring the ocean?
Why Does Nasa Not Explore The Ocean? The deep oceans are extremely hostile environments that require exploration. There’s a difference in how much air comes down on your body at sea level, even though you don’t notice it, that amounts to about 15 pounds per square inch.
What are the 4 areas of oceanography?
Traditionally, we discuss oceanography in terms of four separate but related branches: physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography and geological oceanography. Physical oceanography involves the study of the properties (temperature, density, etc.)
What are the main areas in oceanography?
The planet has one global ocean, though oceanographers and the countries of the world have traditionally divided it into four distinct regions: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic oceans.
What are 3 things oceanographers study?
Oceanographers study every different aspect of the ocean, such as the chemistry of the of ocean water, the geology associated with the ocean, the physical movements of the ocean water, or even the life that calls the ocean its home.
What are the five 5 branches of oceanography?
The study of oceanography is divided into these five branches:Biological oceanography.Chemical oceanography.Geological oceanography.Physical oceanography.Paleoceanography.
What jobs do oceanographers do?
Oceanographers employ mathematical, engineering and scientific theories to investigate the relationships between fresh water, seawater, the biosphere, atmosphere and polar ice caps. Most oceanographers are employed on fixed-term research contracts that are funded by grants.
How many years of college do you need to be an oceanographer?
The education of a physical oceanographer can take six to 10 years, but it opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Investigation of the world's ocean currents and waterways has far-reaching implications for commercial shipping, fisheries and naval activities.
Do oceanographers make a lot money?
Oceanographer Salary The BLS indicates that geoscientists, including oceanographers, earn a median annual salary of $92,040 as of May 2019. Those in the bottom 10 percent, such as lab technicians, earn less than $51,000, and more experienced oceanographers in the top 10 percent earn upwards of $187,910.
How hard is it to become an oceanographer?
Oceanographers typically need at least a bachelor's degree for most entry-level positions. A geosciences degree is generally preferred by employers, although some oceanographers begin their careers with degrees in environmental science or engineering. Some oceanographer jobs require a master's degree.
What skills do you need to be a oceanographer?
To be an Oceanographer, you'll need:An enquiring mind and strong observational skills.An accurate and methodical approach to research.Patience to repeat experiments several times.Maths and statistics skills to analyse and explain experiments.The ability to use a wide variety of equipment and technology.More items...
Is oceanography a good career?
Field of Oceanography is best career option for the people having interest in the study of ocean and its surrounding environment.
Why should we study oceanography?
It regulates Earth's climate, plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle, sustains a large portion of Earth's biodiversity, supplies food and mineral resources, constitutes an important medium of national defense, provides an inexpensive means of transportation, is the final destination of many waste products, is ...
What is the difference between oceanography and marine biology?
So, what's the difference between oceanography and marine biology? While oceanographers study the oceans themselves—the chemistry, physics, and geology of ocean systems and how organisms shape these systems, marine biologists study marine organisms—their characteristics, physiology, and life history.
What are examples of oceanography?
Oceanography is the study of all things related to the ocean. An example of oceanography is the study of how waves form. The exploration and scientific study of the oceans and ocean floor.
What are the major marine provinces?
Physiography and bathymetry (submarine landscape) allow the sea floor to be subdivided into three distinct provinces: (1) continental margins, (2) deep ocean basins and (3) mid-oceanic ridges.
Why it is important to study oceanography?
It regulates Earth's climate, plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle, sustains a large portion of Earth's biodiversity, supplies food and mineral resources, constitutes an important medium of national defense, provides an inexpensive means of transportation, is the final destination of many waste products, is ...
What are the two major pelagic provinces?
The pelagic zone is divided into two provinces: the neritic province corresponds to all of the water from the low tide line to the shelf break, while the oceanic province represents all of the other water in the open ocean regions.
What is the meaning of oceanography?
Oceanography is the scientific study involving the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the ocean. Oceanography consists of se...
What does an oceanographer do?
Oceanographers are scientists that study the ocean through the various sub-fields of oceanography. The different sub-fields they work in are mainly...
Why is oceanography so important?
The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth, has the majority of organisms living in it, and it provides most of the oxygen that is in the atmosphere....
What are the 4 types of oceanographers?
The four main types of oceanographers are biological oceanographers, geologic oceanographers, chemical oceanographers, and physical oceanographers....
What is Oceanography?
Oceanography 's definition is the scientific study involving the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the ocean. Oceanography consists of several branches of science including chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, and physics. Oceanographers are scientists that study the ocean through the various sub-fields of oceanography.
History of Oceanography
The idea of oceanography goes back thousands of years when people began going out on small rafts or boats. Fast-forward to the age of exploration when men began theorizing how big, how far, and to what end the ocean could bring them.
Oceanography Facts
The ocean is responsible for a large variety of weather activity from simple regulations to tsunamis. It can simply play a role in weather activity, an example of this can be seen on the coast where temperatures tend to stay relatively moderated as opposed to other areas that have more extremes.
How many branches of oceanography are there?
The study of oceanography is divided into these five branches:
What is the study of the ocean?
Chemical oceanography is the study of the chemistry of the ocean. Whereas chemical oceanography is primarily occupied with the study and understanding of seawater properties and its changes, ocean chemistry focuses primarily on the geochemical cycles. The following is a central topic investigated by chemical oceanography.
What is the name of the UK's oceanographic research centre?
In Britain, the National Oceanography Centre (an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council) is the successor to the UK's Institute of Oceanographic Sciences. In Australia, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR), is a leading centre.
What was the first scientific expedition to explore the ocean?
The seminal event in the founding of the modern science of oceanography was the 1872–1876 Challenger expedition. As the first true oceanographic cruise, this expedition laid the groundwork for an entire academic and research discipline.
Why was the oceanographic buoy array established?
Early techniques included analog computers (such as the Ishiguro Storm Surge Computer) generally now replaced by numerical methods (eg SLOSH .) An oceanographic buoy array was established in the Pacific to allow prediction of El Niño events.
What is the scientific study of the ocean called?
For the scientific journal, see Ocean Science (journal). Thermohaline circulation. Oceanography (from the Ancient Greek ὠκεανός " ocean " and γράφω " write "), also known as oceanology, is the scientific study of the ocean.
When was Scripps Institution of Oceanography founded?
In 1903 the Scripps Institution of Oceanography was founded, followed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 1930, Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 1938, and later the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, and the School of Oceanography at University of Washington.
What is oceanography?
Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the seafloor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean.
What is the physical process of oceanography?
Physical oceanographers study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents, eddies, gyres and tides; the transport of sand on and off beaches; coastal erosion; and the interactions of the atmosphere and the ocean.
What do oceanographers need to know?
All of these fields are intertwined, and thus all oceanographers must have a keen understanding of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to unravel the mysteries of the world ocean and to understand processes within it.
What do geologists study?
Geological oceanographers and marine geologists explore the ocean floor and the processes that form its mountains, canyons, and valleys. Through sampling, they look at millions of years of history of sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, and oceanic circulation and climates.
What is the role of a marine biologist?
Biological oceanographers and marine biologists study plants and animals in the marine environment. They are interested in the numbers of marine organisms and how these organisms develop, relate to one another, adapt to their environment, and interact with it.
What do marine chemists do?
Chemical oceanographers and marine chemists study the composition of seawater, its processes and cycles, and the chemical interaction of seawater with the atmosphere and seafloor.
What is the science of oceanography?
Oceanography or oceanology is the branch of science that studies the physical and biological properties of the ocean and discovers the various phenomena of seawater. An oceanographer uses mathematics and science to explain the interaction between atmosphere, seawater, freshwater and biosphere. If you have an interest in becoming an oceanographer, learning more about this job role can help you determine whether it is the right career choice for you.
What is an oceanographer?
An oceanographer is a scientist who studies and analyses the ocean. These professionals look at the physical and chemical properties and understand how these properties affect the climate and weather in coastal areas. They study every aspect of the ocean, such as ocean currents, ocean plate tectonic movement, marine ecosystem and ocean floor features, including exotic biomes.
What skills do oceanographers need?
Research and lab skills: After collecting their samples, oceanographers conduct their analyses in a laboratory setting. Developing a hypothesis, conducting experiments and drawing meaningful conclusions require excellent research and lab skills.
What is critical thinking in oceanography?
Critical thinking skills: Oceanographers analyse their research data to develop findings that can help make crucial decisions. As they base their findings on sound observation and careful data evaluation, these professionals require excellent critical thinking skills.
How long does it take to become an oceanographer?
You can pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in marine biology and chemical oceanography or complete your PhD in oceanography. You can spend anywhere from three to five years to complete your doctorate.
What do scientists study in the ocean?
They study the physical processes and conditions within the ocean. These scientists examine deep currents and understand the atmosphere-ocean relationship that influences the climate of coastal areas. They also study the tides, waves, currents, swells and transmission of light and sound in oceans.
Where do oceanographers work?
Based on their interest, an oceanographer may work below the water, on a boat or in a submarine to collect specimens and information to conduct their research. Many of these ocean scientists work at institutions teaching students about the properties of ocean and seawater.
What are the classes required to become an oceanographer?
Oceanographers may also have to acquire licensing before they can start practicing. Licensing also depends on the state or country where an oceanographer intends to work.
What is the oceanography museum?
The oceanographic museum in Monaco. Oceanography, also known as oceanology, is the general study of the ocean ’s physical and biological aspects. Just like other fields, such as medicine and engineering, oceanography covers a wide range of specialties including ocean waves, currents, ecosystem, and geology of the ocean floor.
What is a biological oceanographer?
A biological oceanographer, along with marine biologists, examines plants, animals, and microbes in a marine environment. Additionally, a biological oceanographer focuses on organisms within the marine environment and how their organisms develop and interact with each other and their environment. Biological oceanographers may also investigate how ...
What are the physical characteristics of the ocean?
Physical oceanographers are mainly concerned with the physical characteristics and processes within the ocean, such as waves, temperature, tides, currents, eddies, transportation of sand on and off the beaches, and the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere.
What are the requirements to become an oceanographer?
Although the educational requirements for oceanographers differ depending on the country, most have educational experience in oceanography, hydrology, geoscience, or environmental science.
What is the name of the person who studies the ocean?
A person who is involved in the study of sea life, water, weather and climate, and the preservation of the natural resources of an ocean is known as an oceanographer . There are different types of oceanographers , including chemical oceanographers , biological oceanographers , and physical oceanographers among others.
What Is Oceanography?
Oceanography is the study of the ocean and all its complex relationships with the planet. This includes the study of weather, ocean currents, and sea life, and every other topic associated with the ocean.
What is the science of oceanography?
Oceanographers study every different aspect of the ocean, such as the chemistry of the of ocean water, the geology associated with the ocean, the physical movements of the ocean water, or even the life that calls the ocean its home.
What Are Some Oceanography Degree Requirements?
Oceanographers usually receive a background education in biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but they generally go on to focus their research within one field or the other. There are a few schools that offer undergraduate Bachelor's degrees in marine biology, however, most oceanographers further their study before seeking work. Usually, there are internships and assistant-level positions available for those with only undergraduate degrees. To get a more prominent position as an oceanographer, students usually go on to acquire a Master's or PhD level education before become ocean scientists. However, the undergraduate period allows a student to acquire experience all the chemistry, biology, and physics basis that allow them to build upon their studies with more advanced topics in oceanography.
Where Does an Oceanographer Work?
The oceans cover nearly 70% of the Earth, comprising the majority of the planet's biosphere. Fieldwork is critical to an oceanographer's line of work, meaning that oceanographers will often find themselves working on the ocean or in areas that contact the ocean. Since the ocean impacts the global climate and the overall health of our planet, oceanographers may find themselves investigating the ocean's impact on places far from the ocean. Ocean scientists often have to travel extensively, doing physical tasks and encountering risky organisms or scenarios that test all of their skills.
What Is the Average Salary for an Oceanographer?
The median pay for geoscientists such as oceanographers was $93,580 per year.* The pay for geoscientists varies according to the industry of employment, with employees in the oil and gas extraction industry making the most, followed by federal government employees and engineering service employees.
What Kind of Societies or Professional Organizations Do Oceanographers Have?
National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) a United States government organization tasked with studying the atmosphere, ocean, and coasts and informing the citizens of the United States of their findings. This organization maintains a strong web presence and is a useful source of information regarding oceanic and atmospheric science and industry.
How to become an oceanographer?
Senior-level oceanographers often have an opportunity to work in a team lead or managerial capacity. Their expanded skillset often contains additional tasks like those below: 1 Use predictive computer models to describe various oceanic factors may respond to climate change 2 Prepare technical reports; publish research results and present research at seminars, conferences, and lectures for national and international stakeholders 3 Consult with policymakers regarding relevant developments in oceanography 4 Foster a positive and safe work environment for colleagues and technicians 5 Draft and manage schedules and budgetary timelines 6 Navigate federal and international procedures, regulations, and best practices 7 Support and lead oceanographic data acquisition and analysis projects 8 Develop and verify computer models to aid in process analysis 9 Assist and coordinate proposal efforts to secure funding 10 Supervise technicians and other staff in line with project goals 11 Engage in archiving and documentation of program data and samples
What is oceanography class?
This is a class in basic oceanography. Oceanography is interesting because it involves so many of the sciences. We look at Chemical Oceanography (what is the sea made of), Physical Oceanography (tides, currents, waves), Geological Oceanography (the ocean floor, shore-line processes), and Biological Oceanography (what lives there). Students learn about interrelationships between these aspects of the ocean, and how these interrelationships govern earth processes. The course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific processes, environmental issues, and interrelationships among disciplines. Students learn about the scientific process. We discuss how science advises policy, as it relates to the ocean.
What will students be able to do in the ocean?
Students will be able to explain complex interactions in the ocean system. Students will be able to identify the scientific process steps in research that they study. Students will be able to discuss ocean policy and analy ze it from a scientific and social perspective.
Is Geology required for USF?
This course fulfills the general education requirement for science at USF. It has no prerequisites and is not required for any other course. It can serve as an entry into the Geology major. Most of the students who take it are not science majors.
1. Marine biologist
Primary duties: A marine biologist is a professional who studies living organisms, such as plants and animals, within saltwater environments including the ocean. These professionals may take care of injured or sick sea creatures and perform a variety of tests to study the impact of pollutants on them.
2. Marine technician
Primary duties: Marine technicians assist aquatic researchers by repairing and maintaining electrical components within a ship's engine to ensure that it functions properly. Seaports, docks and repair shops may hire these professionals to perform routine service and maintenance on sea-going vessels.
3. Assistant professor in oceanography
Primary duties: An assistant professor in oceanography may be responsible for designing academic curriculum and instructing both graduate and undergraduate courses related to this topic. Assistant professors who specialize in this field may mentor and advise students with their academic progress and development.
4. Marine researcher
Primary duties: Marine researchers may perform fieldwork and laboratory research to learn about aquatic bodies that inhabit the ocean. Researchers may select a specific aspect of aquatic life to specialize in and study.
5. Marine chemist
Primary duties: A marine chemist is responsible for studying and tracking the chemical properties and components of a variety of bodies of water to help them become safer for aquatic life.
6. Marine engineer
Primary duties: A marine engineer is a professional who creates, develops, test and implements a variety of marine equipment and apparatus. This can include boats, ships, drilling equipment and offshore platforms. These professionals may collaborate with naval architects to create a variety of sea vessels, including submarines and yachts.
7. Ecologist
Primary duties: An ecologist is a professional who studies environmental conditions and habitats. They may collect fieldwork and track and analyze data to develop environmental restoration initiatives or plan habitat management projects and conduct inventory studies.
Overview
Oceanography (from Ancient Greek ὠκεανός (ōkeanós) 'ocean', and γραφή (graphḗ) 'writing'), also known as oceanology and ocean science, is the scientific study of the oceans. It is an important Earth science, which covers a wide range of topics, including ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor; and
History
Humans first acquired knowledge of the waves and currents of the seas and oceans in pre-historic times. Observations on tides were recorded by Aristotle and Strabo in 384-322 BC. Early exploration of the oceans was primarily for cartography and mainly limited to its surfaces and of the animals that fishermen brought up in nets, though depth soundings by lead line were taken.
Branches
The study of oceanography is divided into these five branches:
Biological oceanography investigates the ecology and biology of marine organisms in the context of the physical, chemical and geological characteristics of their ocean environment.
Chemical oceanography is the study of the chemistry of the ocean. Whereas ch…
Oceanographic institutions
The first international organization of oceanography was created in 1902 as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. In 1903 the Scripps Institution of Oceanography was founded, followed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 1930, Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 1938, and later the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, and the School of Oceanography at University of Washington. In Britain, the National Oceanography Centre (an …
Related disciplines
• Biogeochemistry – Study of chemical cycles of the earth that are either driven by or influence biological activity
• Biogeography – Study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time
• Climatology – Scientific study of climate, defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time
See also
• Anoxic event – Historic oxygen depletion events in Earth's oceans
• Anoxic waters – Areas of sea water, fresh water, or groundwater that are depleted of dissolved oxygen
• Argo (oceanography) – International oceanographic observation program
External links
• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC). A data centre responsible for archiving and distributing data about the physical state of the ocean.
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography. One of the world's oldest, largest, and most important centres for ocean and Earth science research, education, and public service.