Geological oceanographers
help oil companies find offshore oil deposits.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes oceanographers within its classification of geoscientists and states that oceanographers "use their knowledge of geosciences, in addition to biology and chemistry, to study the world's oceans and coastal waters." Within this broad category of oceanographers, researchers typically have a specialty based on a branch of science. According to the BLS, oceanographers typically need at least a master's degree in a science, and many positions require a doctorate as well.
Geological Oceanographers
Geological oceanographers study the ocean floor, its creation and its composition. Due to the movement of tectonic plates, new ocean floor is constantly created while old sea floor subducts back into the Earth's mantle as the tectonic plates collide. Geological oceanographers, in addition to studying the seafloor, also search it for oil and other valuable resources. When an oil company attempts to create an offshore oil drilling location, it uses geological oceanographers to search for suitable areas.
Chemical Oceanographers
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical makeup of seawater and what it contains. Chemical oceanographers study how pollutants affect the ocean ecosystem as well as extract valuable compounds, such as uranium or other resources, from the ocean. They may also work with biological oceanographers to study how the chemicals in the ocean interact with sea life.
Biological Oceanographers
Biological oceanographers are often called marine biologists, and they study the animal and plant life of oceans. They may study the habits and ecosystems of various creatures in the ocean, study the effect of pollution or other environmental changes on marine life, or research ways to effectively and sustainably fish and harvest food from the sea.
Physical Oceanographers
Physical oceanographers study oceans from a physics perspective, focusing on currents, tides, temperatures and other physical attributes of the ocean. They may study the effects of global warming on ocean currents or attempt to develop ways to generate electricity from the ocean's tides. Physical oceanographers may also examine the relationship between the oceans and weather patterns.
Tags: oceanographers study, Chemical oceanographers, Chemical oceanographers study, from ocean, Geological oceanographers, ocean floor
