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Areas
of Work
Oceanography is
a multi-disciplinary science. In other words, it is a group effort, used by
scientists of many different kinds, all with one unifying goal: to understand
the sea. Oceanography, therefore, comprises of various specialized branches.
These are:
CHEMICAL
OCEANOGRAPHY
It deals with
the composition and quality of water. Its aim is to research and develop
technology so as to profitably recover valuable elements from the sea. Chemical
oceanography also tries to develop suitable solutions to pollution problems in
estuaries and near-shore waters, caused by growing population and industrial
activity, by undertaking studies for the treatment of sewage, solid wastes and
industrial effluents.
GEOLOGICAL
OCEANOGRAPHY
Involves the
study of the surface and sub-surface, and geological and geophysical
characteristics of coastal margins, for the selection of suitable locations of
marine structures as well as the exploitation of the oceans mineral resources.
MARINE
BIOLOGY
Is the study of
life processes in marine environments. Marine biologists research different
aspects of marine life and allied economic systems. They look into how much food
is produced in the sea, how it is produced, and what quantities can be further
generated.
PHYSICAL
OCEANOGRAPHY
Deals with the
physical properties of the ocean. Remote sensing is one of the critical areas of
activity in this field.
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