Oceanography

Introduction

Oceanography is the branch of science dealing with oceans. Oceanography is not a single science but rather a combination of various sciences. Chemistry occupies a central position among other sciences in understanding oceanography. In the field of physical oceanography, the knowledge of the water masses of oceans and their origin is largely based on measurements of chemical parameters such as salinity and    Co₂  content. Chemical studies are also important to geologists in explaining the models of formation of mysterious manganese nodules and phosphate nodules which grow on the ocean floor. Determination of nutrients especially micro-nutrient elements (like N,P) are of great importance to marine biologists concerned with fertility of the sea. Therefore to truly understand the ocean and how it work, one should know about almost all fields of sciences and their relationships to the marine environment. oceanography is divided into 4 main parts as

i. Chemical oceanography

ii. Biological oceanography

iii. Physical oceanography

iv. Geological oceanography

In this unit the following topics will be covered.

1. Chemsitry of sea water

2. Constancy of composition

3. Elements present in sea water

4. Artificial sea water

5. Dissolved gases in sea water

6. CO₂ system  and alkalinity

7. Inorganic agencies affecting composition of sea water