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What is Oceanography?

What is Oceanography?. Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science because it applies all the sciences and engineering to the study of the oceans. Oceanography is usually divided into four major categories: 1. geological 2. chemical 3. physical 4. biological

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What is Oceanography?

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  1. What is Oceanography? Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science because it applies all the sciences and engineering to the study of the oceans. Oceanography is usually divided into four major categories: 1. geological 2. chemical 3. physical 4. biological In addition there are components of engineering, navigation, mathematics and meteorology.

  2. Why Study Oceanography? • The oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and have a tremendous impact on our weather, climate, history, health, economics, communications, recreation and safety. • Canada alone has the largest coastline of any country in the world. It is approximately 244 000 kms long and borders three oceans.

  3. Why Study Oceanography? • The present life in the seas is a major food source for man. In the not too distant past, some of the richest fishing in the world was found off the maritime provinces. That was, of course, until man over fished and forgot that fish are a limited resource if not maintained properly!! • The water of the oceans is a chemical resource for many elements. In arid (dry) regions, desalination provides a source of freshwater.

  4. Why Study Oceanography? • The final resting spot of all continental freshwater runoff and eroded sediments is the sea. Some sea-floor mineral deposits are precipitates from seawater, while others are physically deposited by currents. • We can and do obtain energy from the oceans, tides, waves, winds and even seawater temperature differences. Canada has the potential to harness enormous amounts of energy from the oceans. We are only just starting to understand this potential. There is enough energy in the Bay of Fundy daily tides to power all of Canada’s energy needs!

  5. Why Study Oceanography? • The oceans are the major source of water for our rain and snow. If the unchecked burning of fossil fuels and forests continues, the climatic affects of the resulting increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will not only raise our planetary average temperature and melt glaciers but cause sea levels to rise. Since most human populations are concentrated along coasts even a small rise in sea level can have devastating results. • The transportation potential of the oceans is extremely important. Over 90% of international trade is conducted by ships.

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