Oceanography: meaning, definitions and examples
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oceanography
[ ˌoʊʃəˈnɒɡrəfi ]
study of oceans
Oceanography is the scientific study of the oceans, including their physical and chemical properties, marine life, and ecosystems. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the oceans and their role in the global climate system.
Synonyms
marine science, oceanology.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| oceanography |
Use this term when referring to the broad scientific study of the oceans, including its physical and biological aspects. It is a general term that encompasses various sub-disciplines related to the ocean.
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| marine science |
Choose this term when discussing the study of marine life and ecosystems, as well as the interaction between the ocean and its biological constituents. It is often more focused on living organisms and their environments.
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| oceanology |
This term is typically used interchangeably with 'oceanography' but is less common. It often implies a more comprehensive study of the ocean, including its formation, structure, and processes. Use it in more academic or formal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Oceanography involves the exploration of the deep sea and the mapping of underwater topography.
- The field of oceanography has contributed to our understanding of ocean currents and their impact on weather patterns.
Translations
Translations of the word "oceanography" in other languages:
🇵🇹 oceanografia
🇮🇳 महासागर विज्ञान
🇩🇪 Ozeanographie
🇮🇩 oseanografi
🇺🇦 океанографія
🇵🇱 oceanografia
🇯🇵 海洋学 (かいようがく)
🇫🇷 océanographie
🇪🇸 oceanografía
🇹🇷 oşinografi
🇰🇷 해양학 (해양 과학)
🇸🇦 علم المحيطات
🇨🇿 oceanografie
🇸🇰 oceanografia
🇨🇳 海洋学 (hǎiyáng xué)
🇸🇮 oceanografija
🇮🇸 hafrannsóknir
🇰🇿 мұхиттану
🇬🇪 ოკეანოგრაფია
🇦🇿 okeanoqrafiya
🇲🇽 oceanografía
Etymology
The term 'oceanography' originated in the mid-19th century from the Greek words 'oceano' meaning ocean and 'graphia' meaning description. The early pioneers of oceanography include the British scientist Matthew Fontaine Maury and the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who made significant contributions to the study of the oceans.
See also: ocean, oceanfront, oceanic, oceanology.