Oceanography is a branch of earth science concerned with the study of the oceans and seas, including their chemical and physical composition, the biological processes that occur in them, and their interactions with the atmosphere and land. This major aims to understand marine ecosystems and how the oceans influence global climate and biodiversity.

Fields of study in ocean sciences:
Physical Oceanography:

• Marine currents: the study of the movement of water in the oceans and its impact on climate and ecosystems.
• Waves and Tides: Analyze the impact of waves and tides on the coast and marine ecosystems.
• Heat and Salinity: Understanding the distribution of temperature and salinity in the oceans and how they affect ocean circulation.

Chemical Oceanography:

• Composition of marine water: Study of the chemical composition of seawater and the chemical changes that occur in it.
• Marine Pollution: Understanding the impact of polluting chemicals on the marine environment and marine life.
• Nutrient Cycling: The study of the cycle of nutrients in the oceans and how they affect biological productivity.

Biological Oceanography:

• Marine organisms: the study of ocean biodiversity, including marine plants, animals, and microbes.
• Marine ecosystems: understanding the ecological relationships between marine organisms and their environments.
• Food chains: analysis of trophic interactions between marine organisms and their role in ecosystems.

Geological Oceanography:

• Ocean floor formation: The study of the topography of the ocean floor and the geological processes that affect it.
• Marine Sedimentation: Analysis of the processes that lead to the formation of marine sediments and how they affect the marine environment.

Marine Technology:

• Research tools: Using modern technologies such as robotic submarines and sensors to collect and analyze data.
• Technological innovation: developing new technologies to study and explore the marine environment.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering.
• Analytical and research skills: Ability to design and implement marine studies and analyze data.
• Technical capabilities: to use modern tools and techniques in collecting and analyzing marine data.
• Communication skills: to transfer scientific knowledge and interact with scientific and public communities.

Work fields:

• Scientific research: working in universities and research centers to study oceans and marine ecosystems.
• Government Bodies: Work with environmental and ocean agencies to develop policies and manage marine resources.
• Non-governmental organizations: Participate in programs to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity.
• Private companies: Providing consultations in areas such as marine exploration and marine energy.
• Education: Teaching ocean sciences in schools and universities.

Importance of ocean sciences:

• Understanding climate change: Studying the oceans helps understand the impact of climate changes on the marine environment and global climate.
• Marine environment protection: Developing strategies to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity.
• Marine Resource Management: Contributes to managing marine resources sustainably to support the economy and protect ecosystems.
• Scientific Research and Discovery: Contributes to new scientific discoveries about the oceans and their complex environments.

Ocean science applications:

• Environmental research: studying the impact of pollution and climate changes on marine ecosystems and developing strategies to conserve them.
• Marine exploration: Using modern technology to explore the ocean floor and search for marine resources such as oil, gas and minerals.
• Fisheries Management: Develop strategies to manage fisheries sustainably and protect threatened marine species.
• Marine Technology: Developing new technologies to study and explore the oceans and improve the management of marine resources.

The specialty of Ocean Sciences is one of the vital and important fields that contribute to understanding and protecting the marine environment, which makes it a field with great influence in improving the quality of life and achieving sustainable development.