Oceanographers apply scientific knowledge to the the study of the ocean.
Oceanography is an interdisciplinary field that uses information from the basic sciences to learn about the ocean. Although oceanographers collect data from research vessels, the bulk of their time is spent analyzing and interpreting that data, Texas A&M University notes. Oceanography graduates work in universities, government agencies and in such private industries as shipping and oil and gas exploration.
Physical Oceanography
Physical oceanographers apply knowledge of physics to their study of the ocean. They research tides and currents, waves, the relationships between the ocean (References 1 and 2)
Geological Oceanography
Geological oceanographers study the composition and topography of the seafloor and the interaction of the seafloor with the ocean. According to Texas A&M University, this research can help scientists predict such events as seafloor volcanoes.
Chemical Oceanography
Chemical oceanographers research ocean and seafloor chemicals, both natural and man-made, and study how they interact. Palomar University notes that studying trace chemicals helps us understand how the ocean impacts climate.
Biological Oceanography
Biologic oceanographers, better known as marine biologists, study the oceans' plants and animals. Modern sub-fields of biological oceanography include biotechnology and molecular biology, according to Palomar University. The school notes that biological oceanography is the most competitive of the four major fields.
Miscellaneous Oceanography Fields
Marine engineers design and build instruments and structures that interact with the ocean. Marine archaeologists research such artifacts from humans' interaction with the sea as shipwrecks and buildings. Marine policy experts combine knowledge of oceanography and social science to create policies regarding the use of the oceans and coastlines. Marine journalists write about topics relating to oceans, lakes and coastlines for professional and consumer publications.
Alternative Careers
Oceanographers may work in administrative positions that focus on creating, reporting and presenting policy recommendations on behalf of universities, government agencies or nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations. In private industry, oceanographers advise companies about the effects of weather on the companies' products and processes.
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