Differences Between Oceanography and Marine Biology

Oceanography vs Marine Biology

It was noted in history books that Benjamin Franklin was the first one to have had studied the currents and tides of the Gulf Stream, and thus, is the one who gave it its name. His explanation of the possible causes of Gulf Stream is the result of him studying the temperatures of the Atlantic Crossing. Truly the study of the ocean itself has originated from a very interesting set of facts.

The studies of the ocean still exist nowadays, and are indeed very crucial, especially for the mariners or seamen. There are still large proportions in the ocean that cannot be reached by humans and are still unknown, so it cannot give proper basis for science to start with. Marine Biology and Oceanography are just two of the branches of studying the ocean. The two mainly differ on the coverage they study. Hence, these two branches are most often confused by most people. For those who actually do not have an idea about the lives and studies found in the ocean, they have never even thought that such studies exist.

What is Oceanography?

Oceanography is one of the branches of Earth Science that primarily focuses on the scientific studies of the ocean. Its range is quite broad, as it identifies the different life perspectives of the creatures and of the ocean itself and how it contributes to the total wellbeing of the earth. Marine organisms are also studied in this branch. It is comprised of different other sciences to make the study correlated. It goes hand in hand with biology, chemistry and physics. Ecosystem is a branch that focuses this study to the depths and brackets of the ocean. This is also a very important aspect in Oceanography, as it studies the geographical locations and the physical properties of the ocean.

To sum it all up, Oceanography studies a wide variety of aspects in regard to the ocean. It does not stand alone, as it goes with other studies and these are what bring about discipline to oceanographers.

What is Marine Biology then?

On the other hand, marine biology as a study, (although has similarities with Oceanography but still has differences) differs with the former through the aspects it studies. From the term ‘biology,’ this branch studies more about the different life forms found in the ocean. It aims to identify each life form in the ocean. This branch is particularly still history in the making, as the marine biologists still idealize on reaching the deepest depths of the ocean and further understanding the different life forms there.

Seventy percent of the earth is actually composed of water. Therefore, the studies that most researchers, or scientists per se, are conducting in regard to the ocean are very important. They not only aim to understand about the different lives found in the ocean, but as well as the activities of the oceans. What really is the relevance of such life forms to the usual activities and routines of the ocean itself. There are already many theories about this, even the Greek Gods named “Atlantis” is still a trending topic to be proved true nowadays. If it remains as a myth, people still are about to find out.

Summary:

Oceanography is one of the branches of Earth Science that primarily focuses on the scientific studies of the ocean. Its range is quite broad as it identifies the different life perspectives of the creatures and of the ocean itself and how it contributes to the total well being of the earth.

Marine Biology – From the term ‘biology’, this branch studies more about the different life forms found in the ocean. It aims to identify each life form in the ocean.

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