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Oceanographer - Tasks and specialisations

Oceanographers may do some or all of the following:

study the ocean's currents, waves, tides and all other flows
observe how the ocean, atmosphere and climate affect one another
collect and study rocks and sediment from the sea bed
carry out research into marine life, and aquaculture in relation to the environment
use instruments on satellites to find out about sea temperatures, surface currents, plankton concentrations, and wave heights
measure temperatures, salt and gas contents with electronic instruments
develop and run computer models
study and map underwater formations such as volcanoes and earthquake faults
study risks to coastlines from storms and tsunamis (tidal waves)
study ocean impact on coastal engineering works such as underwater pipelines
plan experiments and write research proposals
provide information for search and rescue missions
write reports and scientific papers
lecture at universities.

Joanne O’Callaghan ready to deploy an instrument that measures the salinity and temperature of water

Rick Herzer using a microscope to examine water samples

Physical Oceanographer: Physical oceanographers study ocean currents, tides and circulation.
Geological Oceanographer: Geological oceanographers study landforms, rocks and sediment beneath the ocean.
Chemical Oceanographer: Chemical oceanographers study the chemistry and composition of the ocean.
Biological Oceanographer: Biological oceanographers study marine life.

Updated September 2009