Oceanographers are scientists who study the sea. Oceanography incorporates features of many sciences, including biology, chemistry, geology, and meteorology. For this reason, oceanographers have varied backgrounds and do many kinds of work. Oceanographers may work on ships or in laboratories on land. Some work for private companies. Most work for research institutes or government agencies, or hold teaching and research jobs in colleges and universities.
Oceanographers who conduct research study many aspects of the sea. Their findings provide valuable information for industry and government. The fishing industry, for example, is interested in the life cycles and food chain of marine life. The federal government and the shipbuilding industry use information about the sea to design new ships. Oil and mining companies are looking to the sea for new sources of fuel and minerals. Plants and animals found in the ocean are used for medical research. Researchers are also trying to find new sources of food made from marine animals and plants.
Chemical oceanographers and marine geochemists investigate the chemical composition of seawater and its interaction with the atmosphere and the sea floor. Their work may include analysis of seawater components, desalination of seawater, and studying the effects of pollutants. They also examine chemical processes operating within the marine environment and work with biological oceanographers on studies of living systems. Their study of trace chemicals in seawater helps us understand how ocean currents move seawater around the globe, and how the ocean affects climate.
Geological oceanographers and geophysicists explore the ocean floor and map submarine geologic structures. Studies of the physical and chemical properties of rocks and sediments give us valuable information about Earth’s history. The results of their work help us understand the processes that created the ocean basins and the interactions between the ocean and the sea floor.
There are plenty of job opportunities in the study of oceanography. They typically make about 32,000 to 40,000 a year. They help the world in so many different ways that probably effect all of us and we sadly don't even know it. Overall if the ocean and its creatures interest you, you should make your passion your career :)
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7 comments:
Keri,
Wow, who knew there were so many different types of oceanography. I never did. There are so many aspects of the ocean, that it makes so much sense that there would be so many different jobs related to it. Great work.
Billy
great post! I liked your introductory paragraphs they really put us in the "learning mood". I think it would be cool to be a geographical oceanographer.
Keri-
Excellent descriptions of the careers you picked. Your attention to detail is greatly appreciated. I have a friend who is an oceanographer, works on the west coast, and is a subject matter expert on sharks and their habitat. I always thought that it was an excellent and exciting career option. He spends almost every day underwater when he is not at his computer writing. Writing research is also a big part of their jobs.
Nice post. I really learned a lot more about oceanography through your post. You put some very interesting facts into this one...
RAchel
Good Post! Your introductory was excellent, I really liked it. And really who knew there were so many different types of oceanography? It's really pretty amazing.
the one and only
Nick
great post keri! it was really detailed and descriptive, but also very interesting. again, great job
HAILEYROSE THOMA
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