Oceanographer Career Description
Oceanographers study the sea and all its different facets such as the sea floor, marine life, ocean currents, the physical and chemical composition of the water and also the air above the ocean. The entire field, including the deep ocean and continental shelf regions as well as the shore with its dunes and tidal rivers fall within the sphere of activity of oceanographers.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Oceanographers are involved in one of the following five branches of oceanography:
Physical Oceanography
Physical oceanographers study the physical properties of water such as temperature, salt content and density and phenomena such as currents, waves and shores. They also study the interaction between the sea and the air above and how it influences the weather and climate. Issues such as global warming and the ozone layer are currently under investigation.
Marine Biology
This involves all aspects of plant and animal life in the sea. Marine biologists study the occurrence, distribution and development of plants and animals and how these are influenced by environmental factors.
Marine Geoscience
Geological oceanographers are concerned with the processes involved in the formation of the sea floor and coastline, and current processes of erosion, sedimentation and silting. Prospecting for mineral deposits also occurs in the marine environment.
Marine Chemistry
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical composition of sea-water and the effect of chemicals on the marine environment. Pollution of sea-water offers new challenges to chemical oceanographers to determine the influence of that pollution on the quality of the water. The use of marine organisms in the search for new "drugs" is also important.
Coastal and Ocean Engineering
This is the application of engineering techniques to the coastal zone. It is essentially a branch of civil engineering which interfaces with the marine sciences. It involves the development and maintenance of harbours, coastal recreational facilities, inlet pipes for sea-water, effluent outfalls and the general management of the coastal zone.
Oceanographers also work in laboratories on land, but by the very nature of their work they also periodically work on a research ship or smaller boat. The development of underwater respiratory apparatus, specialised diving equipment, research submarines and deep-sea vehicles makes it possible for the oceanographers to stay under water for long periods and do research on marine life. Computer processing of data collected with
the aid of modern oceanographic equipment and from satellites orbit in, the earth, has become an important aspect of oceanography. Oceanographic technicians have to support the oceanographers in their research projects and in the laboratories and are a vital component in all marine research.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Oceanographers should love the sea and have a lively interest in it. People who suffer from seasickness may find it difficult to undertake long research voyages, however, depending on the individual project, this may not be required. Since oceanographers usually work in a team, especially on a research ship, it is necessary to maintain good interpersonal relationships.
Where can I work?
Job opportunities for oceanographers are limited. Potential employers are, for example, marine research institutes, universities, the Department of Environment Affairs & Tourism, museums.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Oceanographers can act as consultants for companies that operate in the coastal zone and marine environment.
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