Oceanography is an interdisciplinary field.
Oceanography and the coastal sciences are essentially the same field, both dealing with scientific investigation of the ocean. Oceanographers specifically look at the physical, chemical, biological and geological elements of the ocean as well as other areas of study related to the water, such as ocean policy and marine archeology. To prepare for a career in this field, students need a background in a basic science such as biology, physics, geology, chemistry or engineering. A solid understanding of math, good computer and communication skills, the ability to work in cramped spaces and the ability to swim are also beneficial.
Geological Oceanographers
Geological oceanographers chart underwater structures and explore the ocean floor. Such work sheds light on the age of the Earth and the way in which the ocean basin developed, among other insights. These scientists also investigate various ocean-related matters such as volcanic activity, plate tectonics, the circulation of the mantle, geothermal circulation, formation of the Earth's crust, ocean climate and circulation.
Biological Oceanographers
Biological oceanographers, along with the related professions of fisheries scientists and marine biologists, investigate the animals and plants of the ocean. These scientists may study matters such as how oceanic animals mature and how plants and animals in the ocean adapt and interact with their environment and other species. Investigators also may look at utilize marine products in biomedical and industrial applications.
Physical and Chemical Oceanographers
Physical oceanographers study the physical qualities of the ocean. Areas of investigation may include wave motion, currents, tides, temperature and the transmission of light through the ocean water. They also examine the movement of sand on and off shore, coastal erosion and the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere.
Chemical oceanographers examine the chemical makeup of the ocean, specifically the chemical components of the ocean water and how the water interacts with the ocean floor and the atmosphere. Areas of interest also include the impact of pollutants in seawater, the affect of chemical interactions on marine animals and the composition of seawater.
Other Ocean Science Professions
Marine policy experts use their biological understanding along with knowledge from another field. such as law, business or the social sciences. to create policies for good use of the ocean and its natural resources. Marine archeologists examine underwater sites from past human cultures and activities. They use advanced technology to recover items such as pottery, shipwrecks, graves and buildings.
Job Prospects and Salary
The field of oceanography is very competitive, and getting an advance degree is challenging. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides grants for students, including women and minorities who are not well represented in the field. Many jobs for oceanographers are with academic institutions and government agencies. Companies also use oceanographers for various endeavors such as locating deposits underwater and investigating the production of energy from tides, currents and waves. Starting salaries may be about $32,000 to $40,000 a year. The federal government's average annual salary for an oceanographer in 2009 was $105,671. Job opportunities are expected to grow for these professionals by 22 percent between 2011 and 2016. The need for oceanographers is greatest in cities in coastal states such as Florida, New York and California.
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