Oceanographers
Oceanographers are scientists who study some part of the ocean or the effects of the ocean. There are many different types of oceanographers—some study plants and animals that live in the water, others study the chemistry of water, still others study the ocean floor or the movement of ocean water.
Goal:
Goal:
Imagine for a moment what it might be like to be an oceanographer. What kinds of things would you want to study if you were an oceanographer? In your notebook, describe some specific things you would like to learn about the ocean. Then describe different types of oceanographers and what they might do. Click the Show Me button to see some potential answers.
Some oceanographers study the plants and animals in the ocean. Some of those specialize in studying fish, or even a particular type of fish and the organisms around it. Others study ecosystems, such as coral reef ecosystems or the organisms that live near deep-sea vents. Still others specialize in the plant or bacteria life of the ocean. Some oceanographers study the ocean floor, taking note of the various formations under water. Oceanographers have mapped the ocean floor and have explored the mountains and the valleys beneath the oceans’ waters, either personally using submarines and scuba gear or using equipment such as sonar and satellite images. Oceanographers who enjoy chemistry may study the amount of salt in different parts of the ocean, or how the density of the ocean changes. Oceanographers with an interest in physics may study currents and waves, or the movement of ocean water. Still others study the ocean to learn about hurricanes and other effects of the ocean on weather.