Physical geography: principles and systems

Geography

Oceanography is the field of geography that studies the origin and development of the oceans, including how they move, the life forms within it, and how to use its resources wisely and safely. It'd an interdisciplinary field of study that by necessity combines geography with biology, meteorology, chemistry, physics and even mathematics (College Board, 2005). Those who study oceanography must have a broad-based education in the sciences.

The physical properties of the ocean and the layers of Earth under it are of interest to a variety of businesses. All international shipping requires accurate information regarding such things as ocean currents. In addition, they need to understand the delicate balance of the ocean ecology, which is strongly affected by the geography of the ocean. Another industry profoundly affected by oceanography is the oil industry, as vast stores of oil have been found under the ocean's bottom. An accurate knowledge of the ocean, its currents and the substructure of the ocean bottom is crucial to the safe and economical extraction of oil from beneath the ocean's surface. Obviously, the ocean is also important as a food source, and understanding the oceanography is crucial to making the best use of this resource. Finally, recent discoveries about the geography of the ocean floor have profound implications for the study of biology. The discovery of biological communities that do not require oxygen or light to sustain life, found around hydrothermal vents, has profound implications for the study of how life on Earth may have begun (WHOI, 2005).