Marine Science

Investigate the history of marine science. Trace the history of oceanic explorations.

Delve into the theories of continental drift, sea floor spreading, and plate tectonics.

Evidence for plate tectonics is found virtually everywhere it is sought. Scientists explain theories about the causes of tectonic activity, and see the impact of this activity on our planet.

Explore the topography of the sea floor from the continental margins to the abyssal plain, trenches, and hydrothermal vents with their newly-discovered biota.

Examine marine sediments, which provide an important record of an ocean basin's history.

The chemistry of water and its unique physical properties and behavior. Consider the temperature, density, and salinity of the ocean's water.

Dynamics. Explores the stratification, movement, and surface conditions. See how light and sound are affected by the ocean environment.

Watch this exploration of the extremes of the polar and tropic oceans. Uncover the differences in productivity, biodiversity, and geology. Recognize the human and natural threats to the tropical and polar oceans.

The interaction of the ocean, the atmosphere, and the land form an inseparable system. Explore the atmospheric composition, properties, and circulation of this system.

Ocean currents transfer water and heat from tropical to polar regions and influence weather, climate, and biological activity in the upper-water regions. Watch the exploration of El Nino as an illustration of the effects of ocean currents on climate.

Currents play a vital role throughout the marine environment, transporting water, heat, and nutrients to every part of the world ocean. Learn about the forces that generate ocean currents and water masses.

Watch this exploration of the disturbing forces that initiate movement of energy through the water, forming and propagating surface and internal waves. See the effects of extreme wave activity and wave climates.

This video explores the sequence of events from which tsunamis develop, and looks at their catastrophic results. Hear how tsunami warning center are working to predict and educate about tsunamis. Examine the concerns about rising sea level.

Ocean tides have fascinated the imagination of people for centuries.

Look at the features and characteristics of coasts and the forces that shape them. Coastline classification systems.

Impact of human activity on coastal areas of the California coast. Learn how regulatory agencies, scientists, and others are working to mitigate negative effects of urbanization, agriculture, and various natural factors.

What is life and how did it begin? Explore Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and understand the importance of adaptation to species survival.

Diversity. How marine animals adapt to temperature, depth, light, salinity, and water pH in order to survive.

Primary productivity in the marine environment is accomplished mainly by plankton. This video explores the types of plankton, their distribution, and productivity.

The oxygen revolution and the origins of life. Evolution and classification of the invertebrates from least complexity of body form and function to greatest complexity.

Watch this exploration of the four types of marine vertebrates: fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Discover the unique adaptations each has made to survive in the marine environment.

Coral reefs, estuaries, and intertidal zones are home to an impressive assortment of organisms. Explore a variety of marine ecological communities. Understand the role of symbiotic relationships.

Survey the major physical, biological, energy, and non-extractive resources of the oceans. Recognize the economic worth of these resources. Examine means of extraction, distribution, abundance, present status, and future prospects.

Even natural materials can be problematic to the ocean environment, and sometimes cleanup can be more damaging than the polluting event. This video examines pollution and pollutants on both a local and global level.

Watch this exploration of the work of oceanographers. Hear what motivates them to pursue the career. Understand the critical role of technology in their research. Delve into the challenges and joys they experience in their work.

Watch this exploration of the profound influence water has had on our planet--from the Big Bang theory to the formation of planet Earth through the origins of life. What role did the ocean play in setting the stage for the early evolution of life?