week one - introduction to marine science

a brief history of marine science

Who is Alfred Wallace?

Alfred Russel Wallace is important to marine science for his role as a pioneer in biogeography, a field crucial to understanding marine ecosystems and conservation. His exploration of the Malay Archipelago led to the discovery of Wallace's Line, a boundary that divides distinct Asian and Australian animal species, which demonstrated how geography influences species distribution

Who is Chalres Darwin?

Charles Darwin was a 19th-century naturalist famous for his theory of evolution by natural selection. He is important to marine science because his observations of marine life during the HMS Beagle voyage provided crucial evidence for his theories, and his studies on coral reefs and volcanic islands helped explain geological formations and the origins of marine life.

Who is William Beebe?

William Beebe was an American naturalist, marine biologist, and explorer known for pioneering deep-sea exploration. He is important to marine science for co-designing the Bathysphere (steel ball), a deep-sea submersible that allowed him to make the first direct observations of the deep ocean and its inhabitants. 

Who is Jacques Cousteau?

Jacques Cousteau was a French naval officer, explorer, and filmmaker who revolutionized marine science by co-inventing the aqualung, which enabled independent scuba diving.

Who is Dr. Slyvia Earle? 

Dr. Sylvia Earle is a pioneering marine biologist, explorer, and conservationist, known as "Her Deepness" for her extensive underwater research and advocacy for ocean protection. (JIM suit record)

What is Geological Oceanography?

The study of rocks and sediments & processes responsible for their formation

What is Marine Geophysics?

The study of rock structure in the ocean basin, properties of rocks such as magnetism, occurrence of earthquakes. 

What is Physical Oceanography?

How and why ocean currents flow, air-sea interactions such as the generation of waves by the wind

What is Chemical Oceanography?

composition of sea water and the processes controlling and altering its composition, including marine pollution.

What is Biological Oceanography?

Also known as Marine Biology. It is the study organisms that live in the oceans and their relationships to the environment.

What is Ocean Engineering?

The design and installation of oceanographic instrumentation and vehicles.

What are intertidal zones?

Intertidal zones are coastal areas that are submerged at high tide and exposed to the air at low tide.

What are coral reefs?

Coral reefs are complex underwater ecosystems built by billions of tiny animals called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form rocky skeletons. 

What are kelp forests?

Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems formed by large, fast-growing brown algae called kelp, which create dense underwater "forests" in cool, shallow ocean waters. These forests are highly productive habitats that provide food, shelter, and protection for a vast array of marine life. They act as vital ecosystems that filter ocean water and store carbon. 

What is the pelagic ocean?

The pelagic ocean is the entire water column of the open ocean, excluding the coastal and sea floor areas. It is the largest ecosystem on Earth and is divided into zones based on depth, such as the sunlit epipelagic zone near the surface and the dark, deep bathypelagic and abyssopelagic zones.

What is the deep sea?

The deep sea is the part of the ocean below approximately 200 meters (660 feet), where sunlight does not penetrate. This vast, dark, cold, and high-pressure environment is the largest habitat on Earth and is home to unique life forms that have adapted to these extreme conditions. It includes everything from the mid-water region to the deepest ocean trenches. 

What are estuaries? 

An estuary is an ecosystem where a river meets the sea and freshwater mixes with saltwater, creating a brackish (partly salty) environment. These areas, which can include bays, sounds, and marshes, are highly productive and are often called "nurseries of the sea" because they provide essential habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including fish, shellfish, and birds.