GS 108 General Science: Oceanography

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Surveys the four classic disciplines of the ocean sciences: geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and biological oceanography. Focuses on the basic principles of the ocean sciences and stress the interdisciplinary nature of oceanography.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Evaluate the special nature of the Earth as a “water” planet.
Interpret the features of the ocean floor and margins and relate these structures to modern theories of crustal origin.
Describe basic chemical oceanography in terms of the special properties of water.
Analyze the motions of the sea currents, waves, and tides in terms of causes, and their influences and effects upon the land.
Characterize and explain the adaptations of marine taxa.
Assess the resources of the sea.
Appraise the impacts of humans on the marine environment.
Evaluate experiments or observations that have led Earth scientists to model the Earth as a planet sensitive to changes in the atmosphere, ocean, and interior.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Origins and the Science of Oceanography
- Development of ocean science
- Technology in ocean studies
- Extent and boundaries of global oceans, seas, and landmasses
- Origin of solar system, earth, oceans, life
- Hydrologic cycle
- Cartesian coordinate system for site location and navigation (latitude/longitude, nautical miles, degrees/minutes/seconds, hemispheres)
- Human’s relationship with the marine environment
Geological Oceanography
- Earth’s interior structure
- Isostasy
- Plate Tectonics
- Volcanism and hot spots
- Paleomagnetism
- Passive vs. active margins
- Marine sediment
- Seafloor resources
- Shorelines
Chemical Oceanography
- Structure and physical properties of water
- Salinity
- Water density
- Ocean pH
- Carbon cycle
- Residence times of dissolved seawater substances
Physical Oceanography
- Atmospheric processes
- Heating of the ocean
- Seasons
- Coriolis effect
- Global wind and precipitation patterns
- Hurricanes and storm surge
- Ocean’s vertical structure and depth zones
- Light, pressure, and sound in the ocean
- Temperature-salinity relationships
- El Nino - Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
- Ocean currents
- Ice and ice ages
- Ekman transport
- Geostrophic flow
- Waves (formation, structure, celerity, interference)
- Tides
Biological Oceanography
- Classification of life
- Marine habitats and lifestyles
- Life strategies and adaptations
- Marine mammals, seabirds, reptiles
- Controls on marine life in various environments (intertidal, muddy bottom, sandy bottom, salt marsh, seagrass, kelp forests, oyster reefs, coral reefs, mangrove, deep ocean, hydrothermal vents)
- Primary and secondary production
- Food webs
- Nutrient cycles
Global Climate Change
- Ocean acidification
- Increased ocean temperatures
- Decreased gas solubility
- Storm intensity
- Diminished productivity