Oceanography
Oceanography also called oceanology or marine science, is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean. It covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor; and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries.
Benefits: Oceanographers collect and study data of ocean waters through waves, currents, and tides; marine life, mineral and oil deposits in the ocean bed, as well as the contours of the ocean bed. The study of oceanography is used for the preparation of maps, charts and graphs.
Scope: In India the National Institute of Oceanography is located at Goa. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is located at Chennai. These Institute besides involving itself in research conducts training programmes for professionals working in ocean sciences.
Work Environment: Oceanographers at some time or the other have to be on research station at sea for several weeks. Oceanographers work in onshore laboratories, offices and aquariums. Oceanographers working at sea encounter a physically demanding work environment where they are often away from home at sea for weeks or months. Life on board a ship can be entirely different and weather conditions can be very demanding. Oceanographers who are working in underwater research may find the job adventurous but it can also be hazardous. They often have to go to the sea-bed in diving gear or in submersible vehicles.