According to research, 75% of the earth is covered with water. Out of this, about 60% belongs to the oceans worldwide. This is one of the main ecosystems yet to be explored thoroughly. Only 30% of all the oceans have been researched and recorded, while the rest is still a human secret. No one knows whether there is any unique life form in those undiscovered areas or rifts that can give way to the mantle.
This is where oceanography comes into play. It is the study of oceans using different types of ocean survey equipment. This article describes a few facts that one would like to know about oceanography, the types of equipment used, and more.
Ocean survey equipment keeps evolving with the latest cutting-edge technology to facilitate offshore survey operations. The technological upgradation offers navigational accuracy, reduces human life risks and curtails operating costs for companies involved in oceanography.
Four Types Of Oceanography Branches
Oceanography is divided into four branches that study various aspects of the oceans. These are:
1. Physical oceanography
Physical oceanography relates to the study of the physics of marine systems. It consists of a detailed analysis of aspects like
- Temperature and salinity distribution
- Water mass formation and movement
- Ocean currents
- Interior and surface mixing
- Energy inputs and dissipation
- Surface and internal waves
- Surface and internal tides
2. Chemical oceanography
It is the study of the chemical composition of the oceans, starting from the salt concentration to toxins in the coastal regions. It revolves around studying the chemical components of the oceans, their reactions, and their transition pathway along with the organic and inorganic compounds, particulate and dissolved material, and the ocean sediments.
3. Geological oceanography
The central part is where all different equipment units are used, starting from sonars to ultra short baseline. Here, the ocean floor is studied and mapped for knowing about mountains, plains, trenches, and more.
4. Biological oceanography
It studies marine life forms in different parts of the oceans and at different depths. One of the main equipment types used here is the ROV lights.
Tools And Equipment Types Used For Oceanographic Studies
A wide range of equipment types can be used for oceanographic studies. We have listed some of these equipment types and their purpose below.
- Since light cannot illuminate much under the oceans, ROV lights are used on remote vehicles. These help to see everything clearly and also scan a much larger area.
- The ultra short baseline is a positioning system used for navigating and tracking something particular underwater.
- An acoustic doppler profiler is another piece of equipment used to study the velocity of ocean currents at different depths. This will signify how the geological aspect of the oceans is changing.
- Sonars are used for studying whether any obstruction is there or not. Also, they are used for calculating the depth of different obstacles, their size, positions, and so on.
- Thermal equipment types are used for understanding the differences in temperatures at different depths under the water. Usually, as you go deeper, the temperature will continue to decrease. But in case there is a rift or a hot spring, the temperature will be higher.
- Bottom landers are vehicles used to carry any form of equipment to the bottom of the ocean floors. They are almost similar to ROVs, but their structures are different.
Present-Day Hurdles In Oceanography
Even though various types of ocean survey equipment units are used for studying oceans, they aren’t enough. In fact, with the changing ocean currents, rising sea levels, and global changes, it has become quite difficult for researchers to study the oceans properly.
