Oceanography : Introduction
Oceanography, the science of oceans is the scientific study of all aspects
of the ocean, their boundaries and their continents. To be more specific,
oceanography is the study of the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal
waters, shelves and the ocean bed. As such it is an interdisciplinary
science that integrates principles of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology
and Physics.
Oceanography is an exciting field offering you the advantage of being
involved with a variety of scientific disciplines and an opportunity for
lifelong learning.
Oceanography is today of great significance to developing countries.
A career in this area is really a challenging one and it provides opportunity
to those with intrinsic curiosity and a desire to venture into the vast
realm of the unknown, which exists within our oceans. The work involves
collecting samples, conducting surveys, analyzing data using sophisticated
equipment in the sea for long hours
Oceanographers apply the basic sciences to study the world’s oceans and
coastal waters. They study the motion and circulation of the ocean waters
and their physical and chemical properties, and how these properties affect
coastal areas, climate, and weather. Often, they are chemists, physicists,
biologists, or geologists who bring their special skills to ocean studies.
Being essentially a research–oriented profession, long periods are spent
at the sea with all its challenges and hazards. Depending upon the areas
of specialisation they work in several fields such as marine biology,
geological oceanography, physical oceanography and chemical oceanography.
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