Oceanography

Oceanography is the comprehensive scientific study of all aspects of the world's oceans, existing as a major branch of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This interdisciplinary field investigates the physical properties and dynamics of ocean waters, such as currents, waves, and tides; the chemical composition of seawater and its role in global biogeochemical cycles; the geology of the seafloor, including plate tectonics and marine sediments; and the vast array of biological life and ecosystems within the marine environment. By examining these interconnected systems, oceanographers seek to understand the ocean's critical role in regulating Earth's climate, shaping coastal landscapes, and sustaining life on the planet.

1. Introduction to Oceanography
   1. Defining Oceanography
      1. Nature and Scope of Oceanography
      2. Interdisciplinary Science
         1. Integration with Physics
         2. Integration with Chemistry
         3. Integration with Geology
         4. Integration with Biology
         5. Integration with Atmospheric Sciences
      3. Four Main Branches
         1. Physical Oceanography
         2. Chemical Oceanography
         3. Geological Oceanography
         4. Biological Oceanography
   2. History of Ocean Exploration
      1. Early Voyages and Navigation
         1. Ancient Seafaring Cultures
         2. Navigation Techniques
            1. Celestial Navigation
            2. Dead Reckoning
         3. Early Maps and Cartography
      2. Age of Discovery
         1. Major Explorers and Expeditions
         2. Advances in Shipbuilding
         3. Navigation Improvements
         4. Ocean Mapping
      3. Scientific Expeditions
         1. Challenger Expedition
            1. Objectives and Methods
            2. Key Discoveries
            3. Scientific Legacy
         2. Polar Exploration
            1. Arctic Expeditions
            2. Antarctic Expeditions
         3. 20th Century Expeditions
      4. Modern Oceanography
         1. Development of Oceanographic Institutions
         2. Satellite Oceanography
         3. Advanced Instrumentation
         4. International Collaboration
   3. World's Oceans
      1. Global Distribution of Water and Land
         1. Ocean Coverage of Earth's Surface
         2. Distribution of Continents and Ocean Basins
      2. Five Major Ocean Basins
         1. Pacific Ocean
            1. Geographic Extent
            2. Major Features
            3. Subdivisions
         2. Atlantic Ocean
            1. Geographic Extent
            2. Major Features
            3. Subdivisions
         3. Indian Ocean
            1. Geographic Extent
            2. Major Features
            3. Subdivisions
         4. Southern Ocean
            1. Geographic Extent
            2. Major Features
            3. Unique Characteristics
         5. Arctic Ocean
            1. Geographic Extent
            2. Major Features
            3. Sea Ice Coverage
      3. Marginal Seas and Gulfs
         1. Definition and Classification
         2. Examples of Major Marginal Seas
         3. Importance to Regional Climates
         4. Ecosystem Significance