OAS_Oceanography as a Science Module Overview

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Oceanography is a scientific study that delves into the depths of the oceans, unites various branches of science, and unlocks vital insights into the workings of our interconnected world.

Beneath the shimmering expanse of our planet's oceans lies a world of profound mystery and complexity—a world that has beckoned to explorers, scientists, and adventurers for centuries. Oceanography, the scientific study of the Earth's oceans, opens a gateway to this realm of wonder, offering a unique lens through which we can fathom the intricate systems and hidden wonders that define our blue planet. It is a discipline that unites various branches of science, from biology and chemistry to physics and geology, to decode the secrets of the seas and unlock vital insights into the workings of our interconnected world. 

How is oceanography a science?

As a science, oceanography is an all-encompassing exploration of the oceans that blankets over 70% of the Earth's surface. It delves into the depths of the oceanic realm, from the sunlit shallows teeming with life to the mysterious abyssal plains that plunge into darkness. Oceanography empowers us to understand the fundamental processes shaping our climate, the evolution of marine life, the dynamics of ocean currents, and the profound impact of human activities on these watery domains. It is a journey into the unknown, where scientists and researchers employ cutting-edge technology, conduct daring expeditions, and unravel the intricacies of the ocean's past, present, and future. In this introductory exploration of oceanography as a science, we will embark on a voyage to uncover its rich history, methods, and the profound significance it holds for understanding our world.

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  1. What is the significance of oceanography in our understanding of Earth's dynamic systems, and how has the field evolved over time?
  2. How do scientists investigate and study the oceans, and what challenges do they encounter in their pursuit of knowledge about the marine environment? 
  3. What role does oceanography play in addressing global environmental challenges and in shaping our future relationship with Earth's oceans?

  1. Geological oceanography - The study of the Earth beneath the oceans. 
  2. Chemical oceanography - The behavior of chemical elements within the Earth's oceans. 
  3. Physical oceanography - The study of the physical conditions and processes within the ocean, including the motions and physical properties of ocean waters. 
  4. Marine oceanography - The study of ecosystems and life forms in the ocean. 
  5. Oceanography - A branch of Earth science or physical geography that outlines the study of the Earth's oceans and seas. 
  6. Scientific method - An organized method for approaching a problem and finding a solution in a logical manner. 
  7. Hypothesis - An educated guess to a problem used to test an idea. 
  8. Observation - The act of recognizing an occurrence by using one of the five senses. 
  9. Qualitative - A measurement relating to character or attributes that cannot be defined in numbers. 
  10. Quantitative - A measurement consisting of numerical data with appropriate units. 
  11. Experimental design - A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test an idea. 
  12. Variable - The part of the experiment that changes, either by the experimenter or because of the experiment. 
  13. Constant - The part of the experiment that does not change but remains consistent as a basis for comparison. 
  14. Control Group – The group that does not undergo interaction with the independent variable but is used as a comparison. 
  15. Independent variable - The variable that is selected and controlled by the experimenter. 
  16. Dependent variable - The variable that is observed and recorded as a reaction to the experiment. 
  17. Line graph - The type of graph that is used to show change over time by connecting the data collected using a single line. 
  18. Bar graph - The type of graph that is used to show comparison with an x-axis is not continuous. 

In this module, we will study the following topics:

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to the Ocean.
  • Lesson 2: What is the History of Oceanography? 
  • Lesson 3: How Do We Study Oceanography? 
  • Lesson 4: How Do We Represent Our Findings in Oceanography? 
  • Lesson 5: What Could Go Wrong? 
  • Lesson 6: What’s the Point? (Review) 

 

 

 

 

UP NEXT:  Lesson 1: Introduction to the Ocean 

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