(ITO) Introduction to Oceanography Module Overview

Image reads module Review Oceanography

Introduction to Oceanography Module Overview

Introduction to Oceanography

This unit, introducing Oceanography and the scientific method, will focus on the four branches of oceanography; chemical, geological, physical and marine oceanography, and how the scientific method contributes to ocean research and our understanding of marine science.

Essential Questions

  • What is the history of oceanography as a science?
  • How do humans use the ocean for food, commerce, and energy?
  • Describe some of the ethical issues of over utilizing ocean resources. What evidence do scientists have to support the theory of the origin of the world ocean?

Key Terms

Pay attention to these key terms as you go through the lessons:

  • Geological oceanography - The study of the Earth beneath the oceans.
  • Chemical oceanography - The behavior of chemical elements within the Earth's oceans
  • Physical oceanography - The study of the physical conditions and processes with in the ocean, especially the motions and physical properties ocean waters.
  • Marine oceanography - The study of ecosystems and life forms in the ocean
  • Basin - A natural or hollow place containing water.
  • Cartographers - One who produces maps or charts
  • Matthew Maury - Father of modern oceanography who charted the winds and ocean currents
  • H.M.S. Challenger - The English Navy's HMS Challenger was a corvette, 200 feet long, 40 feet wide. Later Challenger was extensively refitted for the scientific voyage of December 1872 to May 1876.
  • Ocean resources - One of Earth's most valuable living and nonliving resources such as food, minerals, and crude oil.
  • Oceanography - A branch of Earth science or physical geography which outlines the study of the Earth's oceans and seas.

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