Oceanography

Oceanography is the study of the biological and physical properties of the world’s largest bodies of water, the oceans.

Oceanography is a branch of Earth science and geography that studies the oceans, including their physical and biological aspects, as well as the interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere, land, and other bodies of water. It involves the study of ocean currents, waves, tides, temperature, salinity, and other physical characteristics, as well as the diverse array of marine life that inhabits the world’s oceans.

An aerial showing the coastline with a magenta line and two inset images of underwater seafloor.

2,000 Miles of Ocean Seafloor and Coastline Imagery Available from the USGS

Elizabeth Borneman

The U.S. Geological Survey offers 2,000 miles worth of coastlines and seafloor imagery surrounding the United States to the public to view.

Sources of salt in the ocean. Figure: Why is the ocean salty, USGS, public domain.

How Did the Oceans Get Salty?

Joe Akintola

Why is the ocean salty? Where did the salt come from?

Underwater Global Warming

Rebecca Maxwell

Scientists are using satellites and remote sensing to better understand changes in sea-surface temperatures.