If geography is the subject that you are passionate about, then you can definitely think of a hi3 as an oceanographer. The more you learn about the aquatic and marine life, the more interested you will be in the study of subjects related to marine life.
Oceans cover seventy percent of the Earth’s surface, regulating our climate and maintaining our atmosphere. They also contain virtually all the known chemical elements. This varied course covers topics like underwater volcanoes; the greenhouse effect; eddy systems; the E1 Nino phenomenon and its link to droughts and floods; and the global view of ocean properties that satellite technologies can provide. This is a wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary course for anyone interested in the natural world. Also included under its realm is the study of the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed.
The researchers conducted by oceanographers are used by government and industry as their findings provide valuable information. Plants and animals found in the ocean are studied by marine biologists and findings are used for medical research. A lot of the information provided by oceanographers is directly used in many practical and decision making issues of the government and industry like fishing industry, ship building industry, oil 7 mining companies etc.
Nature of Work
Most oceanographers are involved in both teaching and research. They may spend long periods of time at sea collecting samples and gathering information. The work involves conducting survey.
Chemical Oceanography It deals with the composition and quality of water. Chemical oceanographers are interested in the distribution of chemical compounds and the many chemical interactions that occur in the ocean and the seafloor. The aim is to research and develop such technology that will be able to recover valuable elements from the sea. This area is also involved in developing methods of solving pollution problems in estuaries near-the-shore waters due to increasing population and industrial waste. Their work is of special relevance today in view of the growing level of pollution. |
Geological Oceanography Geological and geophysical oceanographers describe the shape and material of the seafloor. Their study involves the study of the surface and sub-surface, and geological and geophysical characteristics of coastal margins, for the selection of suitable locations of marine structures as well as the exploitation of the oceans mineral resources. They seek to understand the origin of seafloor sediments and rocks and the patterns in which they exist. |
Physical Oceanography Physical Oceanography studies about all the physical properties of the ocean. Physical oceanographers investigate such ocean properties as temperature, density, wave motions, tides, and currents. Remote sensing is one of the important areas in this field. This field of work looks at the relationship between the sea, the weather and the climate. |
Marine Biology Marine Biology is the field which studies life processes in marine environments. Marine biologists study the ocean processes that control the productivity and distribution of marine life. |
Marine archaeologists Are involved in the systematic recovery and study of material evidence, such as shipwrecks, graves buildings, tools, and pottery remaining from past human life and culture that is now covered by the sea. They require a background in archaeology or anthropology. |
Marine policy experts These experts combine their knowledge of oceanography and social sciences such as law, economics, political science or business to develop guidelines and policies for the wise use of the ocean and coastal resources. |
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Personal Attributes
Oceanographers should have good knowledge about the basic sciences viz biology, chemistry, geology, or engineering. Knowledge of swimming and diving are required for oceanographers as the profession requires one to travel even under water. Love for the ocean, sea-worthiness (should not be seasick), a sens3e of adventure, physical stamina, enduring patience, a curious and analytical mind, co-operative nature in a team, love for exploring new places and appreciation of nature and its wonders are needed to be able to cope happily with the demands of the job. One should have the ability to survive monotony, and isolation.Employment OpportunitiesMany job opportunities are available for oceanographers in scientific institutions and government offices. Private companies also employ oceanographers, if they require information related to energy production of tides, sea farming, and about the seafloor. The responsibility of oceanographers varies from place to place. Candidates with the right qualifications get a job in public or private sector and various government organizations as a scientist, engineer or a technician. Candidates with good teaching skills and ability can choose teaching as a profession. There are many job prospects available in Oil India or in Government sector which includes Dept. of Oceanography, Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India and Department of Oceanography, etc. Companies in the private sector with interests in the marine industries in the marine industries, products or research also provide job options.How to Enter After
10+2 with PCM a students can do an under graduate programme in Oceanography
Course |
Eligibility |
Duration |
B. Tech. Marine Science |
10+2 PCM |
4 Yrs |
B.Tech Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
10+2 PCM |
4 Yrs |
B.Sc. in Oceanography |
10+2 with PCM |
3 Yrs |
B.Sc. in Marine Science |
10+2 with PCM |
3 Yrs |
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List of some Institutions
Name |
Address |
Website |
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur |
IIT. P.O. Kharagpur-721302 |
www.iitkgp.ac.in |
Indian Institute of Technology Chennai |
I.I.T. Post Office Chennai-600 036 |
www.iitm.ac.in |
International Maritime Academy |
41, Giri Road, T. Nagar, Chennai-600 017 TN |
www.ima.maritime.com |
National Institute of Oceanography |
Dona Paula-403 004 Goa |
www.nio.org |
West Bengal University of Technology |
Bf-142, Sector-1, Salt Lake City, Kilkata-700064 (WG) |
www.wbut.ac.in |
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