Oceanography

Over 70% of the earth is covered in oceans, yet so much of it remains a mystery. Each year new geographical features are discovered on the ocean floor. Over half of the ocean space has never been investigated by a human being. Two- to three-thousand new species of marine life are discovered each year. These new plants and animals must be studied carefully because they could hold the key to finding ways to improve our planet.

Since oceanography is simply the study of the ocean, scuba divers play a very important part in this process. Satellites, sound waves and submarines all have their place, but technology cannot always take the place of the human touch. The underwater explorations of scuba divers today are no longer limited to professionals. Did you know that there are 13 national marine sanctuaries in the United States? There are literally hundreds of companies that assist scuba divers in making discoveries underwater for a fee. This makes it possible for anyone with a love of marine life can become an oceanographer of sorts.

Not only do oceanographers assist in identifying new life aquatic life forms, but they also “map” out the ocean floor in certain areas. During this process sometimes underwater volcanoes and troughs are discovered. These can sometimes contain many new species causing scientists to refer to them as a “lost world.” The ocean is the largest ecosystem on our planet. Therefore, it is very important that we try to understand how it works. Oceanography has yielded information that has led to new cancer treatments and better fiber optic cables for the internet.

Just think of what discoveries could be waiting out there for us through the wonders of the ocean. Maybe a cure for disease or an alternate form of energy might exist and we simply just don’t know about it yet. The job of an oceanographer is an important one and scuba divers play a big part of it.