1 Introduction to Oceanography Free Online FlashCards

What does oceanography study?

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean as a connected, changing system, drawing on multiple disciplines.

What does physical oceanography investigate?

Physical oceanography studies seawater motion and physical conditions, including currents, waves, tides, and temperature.

Why might explaining a species’ distribution require several oceanography branches?

Explaining where a marine species is abundant may require biological observations alongside temperature, current, nutrient, and seafloor data.

How can researchers map the seafloor?

Sonar uses sound to map the seafloor.

How does an acoustic Doppler current profiler estimate currents?

An acoustic Doppler current profiler uses sound reflected from particles in water to estimate current speed and direction.

What context should be recorded with an ocean measurement?

Record a measurement’s location, depth, time, and method so it can be interpreted in context.

How does the ocean influence weather and climate?

The ocean absorbs, stores, and redistributes heat. Exchanges with the atmosphere and currents help shape regional weather and global climate.

How do chemical and biological processes affect ocean carbon?

The ocean exchanges carbon and other materials with Earth’s systems; chemical and biological processes affect how they are stored, transformed, and exchanged.

What does chemical oceanography investigate?

Chemical oceanography studies seawater composition and chemical processes, including the movement and exchange of dissolved materials.

What does biological oceanography investigate?

Biological oceanography investigates marine organisms, their environments, and interactions within ecosystems.

What does geological oceanography investigate?

Geological oceanography explores the seafloor, ocean basins, sediments, and processes such as volcanism and plate tectonics.

Why use autonomous or remotely operated underwater vehicles?

Autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles extend exploration into places that are difficult or unsafe for people to reach.