Oceanography

WHAT IS OCEANOGRAPHY?

Oceanography, also known as oceanology, uses various branches of science to analyse the ocean’s physical, biological, and chemical features, along with its past, present, and future. In this era of climate change, and pollution, when entire species are going extinct, and coastlines are disintegrating, oceanographers may have to play a crucial role in saving this world.

 Oceanography is not just about the study of the ocean. It also helps humans to make wise choices about their lifestyle and the waste produced by them. We need to understand the importance of oceans for human existence and help keep them pristine and healthy. Biological oceanography is undoubtedly one of the most important branches of oceanography. It examines the interactions between plants and animals in the marine environment. Through this, we can discover new ways how to use the sea for different activities in a much less catastrophic way.

 Given the size of the ocean and the rapid advancements in technology, there is seemingly no end to what can and will be uncovered in the science of oceanography.
~ Arshi and Namya (SMSMB)

WHO IS AN OCEANOGRAPHER?

An oceanographer is a scientist who studies the ocean. The abysses are huge and so the wisdom of oceanography must be just as huge. Oceanographers study every multi-hued aspect of the ocean, similar to the chemistry of ocean water, the geology of the ocean, the physical movements of the ocean water, and so on. As humans have populated most corners of the globe, our impact on the oceans is stressing their capability to continue operating naturally. Healthy abysses are basically important to maintain a healthy earth. Oceanographers are some of the most important climate investigators in the fight to alleviate the effects of climate change, overpopulation, and overfishing.

 Factors like high-temperature rise affect aquatic life in many aspects. So, to save oceans, many oceanographers are trying to save Phytoplankton, the most necessary part of the ocean’s food chain that is being affected by the changes in the ocean. Geological oceanographers are now using special GPS technology to map the seafloor and other underwater features to provide critical information that could lead to more accurate earthquake and tsunami prediction.

~ Arshi and Namya (SMSMB)

TYPES OF OCEANOGRAPHY

Biological oceanography: It deals with the living aspects of the ocean. Organisms that live in the ocean include the smallest organisms, or plankton, and the largest organisms such as whales. Biological oceanographers study the distribution of organisms in the ocean, their types found in specific locations, the interactions between living organisms, and the abundance of specific types of organisms. 

Chemical oceanography: It deals with the chemicals found in water. There is a wide range of chemicals dissolved in seawater, from common salt, or sodium chloride, to even silver. Chemical oceanographers examine the concentration of various chemicals and their distribution both horizontally and vertically. These chemicals could occur naturally or may enter the water through man-made processes. 

Geological oceanography: It deals with the geological materials and processes that occur in our water bodies. Geological oceanographers examine the constituents that make up the seafloor, the shape of the seafloor, and the processes that create the oceans. Geological oceanography covers a wide variety of research, which can span millions of years of natural processes. 

Physical oceanography: It deals with the physical movement of the oceans. It involves the study of waves, tides, and water currents. Physical oceanographers examine deep water currents, physical processes that occur along the shore, and even interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere.

~ Arshi and Namya (SMSMB)