~Oceanography~

There are many different careers in Oceanography. I choose Geophysicists and Marine Archaeologists, and am going to look more in depth in these two careers.

Geophysicists explore the ocean floor and map submarine geologic structures. Studies of the physical and chemical properties of rocks and sediments give us valuable information about Earth’s history. The results of their work help us understand the processes that created the ocean basins and the interactions between the ocean and the sea floor. A bachelor’s degree in geology or geophysics is adequate for entry-level jobs; better jobs with good advancement potential usually require at least a master’s degree. A Ph.D. degree is required for most research positions in colleges and universities and in government.

Geophysicists use their knowledge of the physical makeup and history of the Earth to locate water, mineral, and energy resources; protect the environment; predict future geologic hazards; and offer advice on construction and land use projects. By using sophisticated instruments and analyses of the Earth and water, geological scientists, also known as geoscientists, study the Earth’s geologic past and present in order to make predictions about its future. For example, they may study the Earth’s movements to try to predict when and where the next earthquake or volcano will occur and the probable impact on surrounding areas to minimize the damage.
Geophysicists may specialize in areas such as:

1. Geodesy: also called geodetics, a branch of earth sciences, is the scientific discipline that deals with the measurement and representation of the Earth.
2. Seismology: is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic wavesthrough the Earth.

Median annual earnings of geophysicists, and oceanographers were $53,890 in 1998.

On the other hand, Marine archaeologists are involved in the systematic recovery and study of material evidence, such as shipwrecks, graves, buildings, tools, and pottery remaining from past human life and culture that is now covered by the sea. Marine archaeologists use state-of-the-art technology to locate various underwater sites. Maritime archaeology, also known as marine archaeology, studies human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers through the study of vessels, shore side facilities, cargoes, human remains and submerged landscapes.

Some specialities of maritime archaeology are:

• Underwater archaeology: which studies the past through any submerged remains.
• Nautical archaeology: which studies vessel construction and use. Maritime archaeological sites usually result from shipwrecks or sometimes seismic catastrophes.

Marine Science graduates are employed by universities and colleges, international organizations, private companies, nonprofit laboratories and organizations, and government agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Professional positions are expected to increase in the areas of global climate change, environmental research and management, fisheries science, and marine biomedical and pharmaceutical research programs. Salaries can vary widely, depending on education, experience, and specific discipline; The median annual salary of aMarine archeologist was $60,390 in 2002 - those involved in research and development averaged $64,390.

• These two careers are very different. But if you are interested in a career dealing with the study of the ocean, either one would suit you. Personally, I think that Marine Archeology is much more interesting-only because they get to search for and examine exotic underwater objects. This pic says it all....