4 MAJOR TRADITIONAL SUBDIVISIONS OF

OCEANOGRAPHY

1. Geological Oceanography:
Applies principles of geology and geophysics
Examples of studies:
Depths, topography, shapes of the ocean basins
Composition of seafloor and oceanic crust
Structures, seafloor earthquakes, marine volcanism, etc.
Origin & history of ocean basins
Long-term climate changes

4 MAJOR TRADITIONAL SUBDIVISIONS OF

OCEANOGRAPHY

2. Physical Oceanography:
Applies principles of physics and some chemistry and
meteorology
Studies:
Water motion
Energy
Waves
Tides
Currents
Marine weather & climate

4 MAJOR TRADITIONAL SUBDIVISIONS OF

OCEANOGRAPHY

3. Chemical Oceanography:
Applies principles of chemistry
Studies seawater:
Composition
Properties
Variations
Chemical reactions

Uses chemical techniques to solve oceanographic

problems

4 MAJOR TRADITIONAL SUBDIVISIONS OF

OCEANOGRAPHY
4. Biological Oceanography:
Applies principles of biology
Studies:
Diversity of marine life
Abundance of marine life
Ecology of marine life

Uses biological techniques to solve oceanographic

problems

TWO OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF

OCEANOGRAPHY

 5. Ocean Engineering:
Many kinds of engineers are needed
Develop ocean technology to deal with practical problems
Design & build marine structures, ships, docks, etc.

6. Policy Development & Management:

Must deal with ocean exploitation, pollution, laws of the sea, etc.
Many disciplines are involved:
Economics
Politics
Recreation
Education
Law

OUR APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE OCEANS

Describe their features (facts or the what)
When they develop, etc. (timing)
Where they develop (geography)
Learn their processes (how they work)
Fast rates - observe directly
Slow rates - measure indirectly

Develop models to
Explain observations & measurements
Look for simplifying concepts & trends

PLANET "OCEANUS, NOT EARTH

71% of surface is
oceanic
Glaciers cover about
10%
98% of the water is
salty