Oceanography is the study of the ocean and its physical and biological characteristics. It is a branch of the Earth sciences that covers both physical and biological aspects. Oceanographers study the movement of water, its chemical properties, marine life, geology, and hydrology to better understand our planet’s largest ecosystem.The ocean covers more than 70 percent of our planet’s surface area. It is home to an abundance of lifefrom microscopic plankton to whales weighing hundreds of tons. Its waters span immense depths as well as shallow tidal pools along coastlines around the world. The ocean influences climates, weather patterns, and even affects human society through its resources such as food sources and transportation routes. By understanding different aspects of oceanography, scientists can gain insight into these complex relationships between humans and their environment on a global scale.Physical oceanographers use instruments such as satellites, buoys, sensors and submarines to measure properties like temperature, salinity (saltiness), wave height and direction as well as currents in different parts of the ocean . This data helps us better understand how energy from sunlight interacts with water molecules in various regions like polar ice caps or warm tropic seas which influences world climate patterns over time. Biological oceanographers study marine organisms like plankton or fish populations in order to learn about their natural habitats or their migration patterns . They also record information about diseases that affect aquatic species or monitor changes in biodiversity due to human activities such as fishing or pollution which can have a big impact on food webs around the world. Geological Oceanographers explore seafloors using sonar technology – mapping out mountains deep beneath the waves – which gives us valuable insights into how our continental plates have shifted over time creating new landforms like islands or mapping out our planet’s past climate cycles by studying sediment layers on seafloors . They also help inform decisions about where we should build oil rigs or other infrastructure that could potentially cause harm underwater ecosystems if not placed properly within them . Oceanography has helped us gain valuable knowledge about this vast resource we call home- helping us better manage it for future generations . It has also opened up new possibilities for exploration- from discovering unique creatures far below sea level-to uncovering secrets held deep within Earth’s oceans for centuries.
We've found 19 Oceanography quizzes
