PHO_Physical Oceanography Module Overview

Don't worry - we aren't getting ready to exercise.

Let's Get Lost Photo Social Graphic (1)Physical oceanography is all about studying the physics of the ocean, like the way seawater moves and its properties. This field of study helps us understand how the ocean interacts with the atmosphere, land, and living organisms. Physical oceanographers use different methods to figure out how the ocean behaves, like looking at it, using math, and making predictions. They want to understand things like how currents, waves, tides, temperature, and saltiness variations work. All of this helps us understand the ocean's role in the Earth's climate and ecosystem.Let'sgetphysical

This unit is designed to explore the multifaceted aspects of the ocean, ranging from the diverse zones that structure this vast underwater landscape to the ocean's critical role in climate regulation and weather patterns. As we delve into topics like the influence of ocean currents, the rhythmic dance of tides, the formation and impact of waves, and the profound effects of thermal expansion and sea level rise, we will understand how these vast bodies of water shape life on Earth. Prepare to be captivated by the complexity and beauty of the ocean, a key component of our global ecosystem, as we navigate through its layers and unravel the secrets held within its depths.

Questions to think about (8 x 1.5 in)

  1. How do the physical properties of the ocean, like temperature and salinity, contribute to global ocean circulation and climate regulation? 

  2. In what ways do oceanic phenomena like waves and tides influence coastal ecosystems and human activities? 

  3. What role does the ocean play in shaping global weather patterns, and how are these patterns connected to changes in the ocean's physical properties? 

key words

  1. Abyssopelagic Zone: The very deep ocean layer ranging from 4,000 meters to the ocean floor, characterized by near-freezing temperatures, complete darkness, and extreme pressures. 
  2. Aphotic Zone: The deeper parts of the ocean where sunlight does not penetrate, extending from the lower boundary of the Mesopelagic Zone to the ocean floor and characterized by darkness, cold temperatures, and high pressures. 
  3. Bathypelagic Zone (Midnight Zone): A deep ocean zone extending from 1,000 to 4,000 meters, completely devoid of sunlight and home to unique life forms adapted to darkness and high pressure. 
  4. Climate: Refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, etc., in an area. In the context of the ocean, it's how the ocean contributes to these patterns on a global scale. 
  5. Epipelagic Zone (Sunlight Zone): The surface layer of the ocean, extending down to about 200 meters, where sunlight allows for photosynthesis, supporting a wide range of marine life. 
  6. Euphotic Zone (Photic/Sunlight Zone): The uppermost layer of the ocean, extending to about 80 meters depth, where sunlight is abundant enough to support photosynthesis and a diverse array of marine life. 
  7. Hadalpelagic Zone: The deepest part of the ocean, found in oceanic trenches below 6,000 meters, is known for its harsh conditions and specialized life forms. 
  8. Mesopelagic Zone (Twilight Zone): A mid-water zone ranging from about 200 to 1,000 meters deep, receiving limited light and characterized by a significant decrease in temperature. 
  9. Neritic Zone: A shallow marine environment extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, characterized by high biodiversity and nutrient richness. 
  10. Oceanic Zone: The vast open ocean beyond the continental shelf, deeper and less nutrient-rich, but home to a wide variety of marine life, including plankton and large ocean predators. 
  11. Thermal Expansion: The increase in volume of seawater as it warms, contributing to the rise of sea levels. 
  12. Weather: The short-term state of the atmosphere, including temperature, humidity, wind, etc. The ocean significantly influences weather through heat and moisture exchange. 

what will this module cover (2)

In this module, we will study the following topics:

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Physical Oceanography 

  • Lesson 2: Physical Features of Ocean Water 

  • Lesson 3: Water Column Zones 

  • Lesson 4: Sea Level Rise and Climate Change 

  • Lesson 5: Parts of Physical Oceanography 

 

 

 

UP NEXT:  Introduction to Physical Oceanography  

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