In the past, the
study of the sea was limited to what we could study and observe about
the surface of the ocean. Since the dawn of exploration, there has
been a global obsession with the charting and control of the earth's
waterways. For centuries the hidden contents of an elusive sea remained
a mystery, intriguing and beguiling scientists the world over. Today,
with some relatively new inventions like the bathysphere, deep-sea
diving gear, and SCUBA (or "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing
Apparatus"), the age-old mystery of underwater life is unfolding
before our very eyes. With new developments on the horizon, it is
a very exciting time to be an oceanographer.
As one of the most popular and widely recognized fields under the
umbrella of physical sciences, oceanography understandably attracts
highly intelligent, analytical and motivated individuals. The general
function of an oceanographer is to gather information about the ocean
through observation and extensive testing, including detailed surveys
and experiments. Oceanographers study and analyze the physical, chemical,
and biological composition of the ocean. They observe and record changes
in the geological structure of the seabed by studying underwater land
masses, the coastal borders, as well as the atmosphere above the ocean.
An oceanographer may also spend countless hours researching the seemingly
obscure, like the acoustical properties of water, in their endeavor
to create a comprehensive and unified picture of oceanic behavior.
Specifically, oceanographers collect and study data about marine life
(sea plants and animals and their habits), ore and petroleum deposits
(oils and minerals found in oozings on the ocean floor), the actual
contour of the ocean floor (ocean mountains, valleys, and depths,
as well as the fundamental motions of ocean water (waves, tides and
currents). Most of their findings are then compiled and presented
on charts, graphs, maps, special reports and manuals.
Naturally, oceanographers conduct much of their research and study
on or in the ocean, gathering data and making observations. However,
if you are a staunch landlubber, yet possess a profound interest in
the study of oceanography; don't get discouraged. A considerable amount
of oceanographic work is done on dry land and by people who rarely
go to sea. Models or captive organisms often substituted for the real
thing are used in seaside laboratories, where a controlled environment
helps scientists conduct experiments and analyze data.
The equipment found in an oceanographer's "office" rivals
the best in current high tech wizardry. Most oceanographic equipment
is designed and manufactured in specially equipped shops. The tools
of the trade include special thermometers which measure extreme water
temperatures; devices to measure depths by sound impulses; special
cameras and paraphernalia for underwater photography; and of course,
a wide array of diving equipment and machines (like the bathyscaph).
In addition to commonly used equipment, strange and new devices are
currently being developed for specific types of underwater work. The
oceanographer of tomorrow may find his/herself using contraptions
like the hydraulic miner (a dredge to extract nodules from the ocean
floor), an electronic beater ( a machine which creates a sound used
to drive fish), and a shore-bound scientist may soon research the
sea via underwater television.
Like doctors, oceanographers usually specialize. But instead of a
hundred or more degrees of specialization, there are four. The four
main divisions of oceanography commonly pursued are: biological oceanography
or marine biology, physical oceanography, geological oceanography,
and chemical oceanography.
Generally, biologists study living organisms and their relationship
to their environment. The biological oceanographer or marine biologist
is concerned with studying and recording all aspects of plant and
animal life found on or within the ocean.
Manny Gonzalez, a marine biology student attending college in Miami,
credits pollution as the predominant factor motivating him towards
the aquatic biology specialization. "It's sad when you go out
to the beautiful ocean and you see all this plastic floating around,"
recalled Manny after his first ocean voyage. "It's bad enough
we trash our own neighborhoods, but we have to live with it. It just
seems so unfair to pollute the home of innocent sea creatures."
Manny, like many of his peers, view biological oceanography as a way
to help other living organisms survive in spite of Man.
Physical Oceanographers:
Physical oceanographers are concerned with the physical aspects of
the ocean. They study the various components of the ocean associated
with waves and currents, temperature and density, and the relationship
between the atmosphere and the sea. Physical oceanographers play an
important role in the ongoing objective of producing accurate weather
predictions. Since childhood, Jorge Montenegro, an oceanographer living
in Santa Cruz, California, has been entranced and captivated by the
physical characteristics of the ocean. Jorge chose physical oceanography
as his area of study because to him "waves are an enigma; a paradox.
They are the rhythmic, constant soul of an ever-changing, ever-moving
entity; they are pure energy." Anyone who has sat, mesmerized,
watching wave after relentless wave crash upon the shore, can appreciate
Jorge's poetic observation.
Chemical Oceanography:
A much more subtle study of the ocean's energy is chemical oceanography.
These scientists are involved in the analysis and evaluation of the
water itself. Chemical oceanographers investigate the chemical composition
of the water and sediments found along the ocean floor, in addition
to chemical reactions which take place due to either internal or external
influences. All those involved in the sciences must be analytical
and detail oriented, but chemists, both on land and at sea, need to
be especially organized. The chemist cannot afford even the slightest
error in analyzing chemical compounds. An extra proton and electron
here and there can alter the entire structure of an element.
Geological Oceanography:
Geological oceanography combines characteristics of both physical
and chemical oceanography. A geological oceanographer studies the
physical composition and the topographic features of the ocean floor.
They observe and analyze underwater mountain ranges, rocks and sediments.
Using remote sensing devices aboard surface ships or submerged in
underwater research crafts, geological oceanographers collect information,
often unearthing valuable information about the many minerals, oils
and gases tucked away on the ocean floor. Geologists of all persuasions
play an increasingly important role in cleaning up the environment.
Through the study and monitoring of the environment, geologists perform
such important tasks as monitoring groundwater quality, managing and
cleaning up toxic waste, and investigating the "greenhouse effect"
(the potential rise in the earth's temperature due to increased amounts
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere).
All concentrations within the oceanography profession require curiosity,
analytical ability, physical and mental stamina, and at least four
years of college. If you are interested in this field, start as early
as possible to gain a strong foundation in math and science. High
school students should make sure that their academic curriculum includes
both basic and advanced courses in algebra, chemistry and biology.
This will help prepare you for college courses.
At the university level, oceanography students encounter a broad program
covering the basic sciences. By the senior year, students are completing
advanced courses in their desired major. Dr. John Farrington, associate
director for education and dean of graduate studies at the Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution knows the importance of early and thorough
preparation. "The first thing we tell students who come to us
is that oceanography really depends on having a good foundation in
the sciences. We suggest majoring in math, geology, biology, physics
or chemistry," advised Dr. Farrington in a recent interview.
"There are all sorts of employment opportunities in oceanography
and oceanic engineering, from coastal engineering to deep-sea structures
in the ocean that are wide open right now and will continue to be
so on a world wide basis for a long time." Ocean research will
continue to be important as the mining and energy industries look
for new ways to uncover and discover the necessary resources on which
our society so desperately depends. He also encouraged diversity among
these disciplines. The sciences should "encompass all students,"
not just Anglo males as he has noticed in the past.
The future certainly looks bright for oceanographers. Over 3,500 people
are currently employed as oceanographers, with employment expected
to increase through the year 2000 and beyond. Most oceanographers
are employed by institutions of higher education, oil companies, corporations
involved with the Department of Defense, environmental groups, or
the federal government. Federal agencies employing oceanographers
include the Oceanographer of the navy, Office of Naval Research and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration (NOAA). Depending
on the discipline and area, salaries for oceanographers start anywhere
between $24,000 and $27,000 with a handful earning well above $50,000.
A growing number of oceanographers work for industrial firms, particularly
those in the construction, oceanographic instrument and equipment
manufacturing, shipbuilding, and chemical fields. Oceanographers employed
by colleges and universities generally have a graduate degree and
are involved in teaching, research, writing, and consultant activities.
The opportunities for qualified oceanographers is not expected to
diminish.
Biology with Marine Emphasis:
Biology with a marine emphasis is one of the more popular areas of
study in the aquatic world. Most schools do not officially offer a
degree in marine biology, but instead allow you to design your own
biology program to include an emphasis in marine studies. This program
requires the basic courses necessary for a biology degree and also
includes extensive courses in science and math. Through the advice
of an academic counselor, a student can design a program and incorporate
specific marine courses. Classes may include marine botany, marine
ecology, animal behavior and many more. This program allows students
the freedom to create a personalized degree program that meets specific
marine interests.
In the same manner, a student can also create a biology program with
an emphasis in other areas such as environmental studies, zoology,
biological science, physiology or even conservation. Several schools
do offer an official degree in marine biology, but check university
directories for explanations and details.
Geology with Marine Emphasis:
Geology students are in the same boat as the biology department. Again,
students interested in the geological aspects of the ocean must fulfill
traditional geology requirements and then seek an emphasis in either
marine or ocean studies. Courses may include geochemistry, physical
oceanography or coastal studies. Students are advised to prepare a
four-year plan with the help of a department instructor. Those interested
in marine geology may study the origin and history of ocean basins,
or do research on tectonics and volcanism, as well as oceanic crust
and beach processes.
In order to get the best education possible, it is wise to go to the
source -the ocean itself. One region that has developed advanced facilities
in marine studies is the California coastline. The shores of California
stretch for more than 1,000 miles and influence the daily lives of
its people. In fact, 80% of the state's population live within 30
miles of the beach.
If you would like to get your feet wet, there are several marine institutions
and facilities which offer outstanding expertise in this field. These
facilities are often affiliated with several universities. Before
you jump in head first, do your homework and find out which facility
or university is right for you. Below is a listing of the different
institutes and programs. Be sure to contact them for program descriptions
as well as a complete listing of the schools that are affiliated with
them. These institutes offer the necessary hands-on training and field-oriented
work that is required. Most provide the use of boating vessels, diving
equipment, marine labs and research collections, plus much more. Each
facility is different, yet all offer an interactive and practical
approach to marine studies.
California Marine Institutes and Facilities:
Bodega Marine Lab
P.O. Box 247, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875 - 2211 * Vicki Milam
Marine Science Institute
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150
(805) 893 - 3765 * James Kennett, Director
Moss Landing
Marine Laboratories
P.O. Box 450, Moss Landing, CA 95039
(408) 633 - 3304 * John Martin, Director
Ocean Studies Institute
California State University
1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840
(310) 985 - 5343 * Dr. Lon McClanahan, Acting Director
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093-0208
(619) 534 - 3206
Southern California Marine
Institute
20 South Seaside Ave.,Terminal Island, CA 90731
(310) 519-3172 *
Wrigley Marine Science Center
P.O. Box 398 D208, Avalon, CA 90704
(213) 743 - 6792 * Dr. McFarland, Director
Ocean Studies Web sites:
Catalina Conservancy Divers(CCD)
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The Ocean Information Center (OCEANIC)
sci.geo.oceanography newsgroup
Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum
WWW Library
Oceanography page
©1996-97, Saludos
Hispanos.
No part of this article may be reproduced without permission of
the author. HTML links to this document are allowed, but please let us know via
email so we can keep you informed of URL changes.
|
|
