Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean, covering its physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, from currents and tides to the life and sediments of the sea floor.
Facts
Founded YearThe Challenger Expedition (1872-1876), led by Charles Wyville Thomson, was the first expedition organized specifically to gather data across ocean temperatures, chemistry, currents, marine life and seafloor geology, and is credited with founding modern oceanography. Central QuestionHow do ocean circulation, chemistry and marine life interact with the atmosphere to regulate global climate, given that the ocean covers most of the planet yet remains far less thoroughly explored than its surface? 2 ScopeOceanography is the scientific study of the ocean, including its physical properties, chemistry, biology, geology and the interaction of marine and coastal ecosystems with the atmosphere above them. 2 SignificanceThe four-year global voyage of HMS Challenger, launched in 1872 under the scientific leadership of Charles Wyville Thomson, produced the first systematic survey of the deep ocean's physical, chemical and biological character and is widely regarded as founding modern oceanography as a discipline. 2 Connections
Associated With
Source Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Wikipedia)
Founded By
Source Wikipedia: Oceanography
Has Scientist
Source Harry Hess (Britannica)
Source Marie Tharp (Wikipedia)
Has Theory
Harry Hess proposed seafloor spreading, the core of plate tectonics, from oceanographic depth-sounding data gathered aboard Navy ships he commanded.
Source Harry Hess (Britannica)
Uses
Tide Gauge, Instruments The tide gauge records sea-surface height over time, the primary instrument behind tidal analysis and long-run sea-level records in oceanography.
Sources
1. The Challenger Expedition (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionLead sectionQuote, Lead section
Modern oceanography began with the Challenger Expedition between 1872 and 1876. It was the first expedition organized specifically to gather data on a wide range of ocean features, including ocean temperatures seawater chemistry, currents, marine life, and the geology of the seafloor.
2. Wikipedia: Oceanography
Wikipedialead
also known as oceanology, sea science, ocean science, and marine science
- Founded By: Charles Wyville Thomson
View the Source Challenger Expedition (Britannica)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Wikipedia)
WikipediaAssociated With: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionView the Source Harry Hess (Britannica)
Encyclopaedia Britannica- Has Theory: Plate Tectonics
- Has Scientist: Harry Hess
View the Source Marie Tharp (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHas Scientist: Marie Tharp, IntroductionQuote, Has Scientist: Marie Tharp, Introduction
Marie Tharp (July 30, 1920, August 23, 2006) was an American geologist and oceanographic cartographer. In the 1950s, she collaborated with geologist Bruce Heezen to produce the first scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor.
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