Geological Oceanography
The Last Unexplored Frontier
The ocean contains 99% of the living space on Earth, but less than 10% has been explored.[1] We actually know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the deepest parts of the ocean. So, when it comes to unexplored frontiers, our vote is for the ocean floor. Violently active volcanoes, mountain ranges higher than the Himalayas and longer than the Andes, trenches deeper than the Grand Canyon (2,500 feet deeper), and hydrothermal vents spewing out hot (750 degrees hot!) mineral-rich fluids thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface all await discovery by some intrepid geological oceanographer (or their remotely piloted submarine).
Geological oceanography (often referred to as marine geology) is one of the four main branches of oceanography.[2] It is the study of the structure, creation, evolution, and history of the ocean floor. Geological oceanography is one of the broadest fields in the Earth Sciences and contains many subdisciplines, including geophysics and plate tectonics, petrology and sedimentation processes, and micropaleontology and stratigraphy.[3]
Geological oceanographers combine their knowledge of physical oceanography and marine chemistry to piece together information about how the Earth was formed and how the movement of plates and continents causes earthquakes and volcanoes.[4] The results of this work help us understand the processes that created the ocean basins and the interactions between the ocean and the seafloor.[5] By examining the distribution of fossils embedded in the seafloor, geological oceanographers also try to understand past changes in the Earth’s climate and the causes for those changes.[6] And in studying the past, the belief is that the information collected can then be used to predict and ultimately help lessen the impacts of future climate change.
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Citations
- Did You Know?, MarineBio Conservation Society.
- The others being biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, and physical oceanography.
- Oceanography, Geological, Water Encyclopedia.
- OceanOpportunities, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
- What does an oceanographer do? National Ocean Service, NOAA.
- OceanOpportunities, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
The Path to Becoming a Geological Oceanographer
From High School to Your First Job
Build a Solid Academic Foundation
Basics:
Take all available STEM-related courses (biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, algebra, geometry, calculus) offered at your high school. Take all these classes at the most advanced level possible (honors, AP). This will help you build your knowledge base in scientific theory and concepts.
Recommended:
If not available at your high school, try and take earth science-related (geology, mineralogy, geomorphology, sedimentation, geophysics), ocean science-related (marine biology, chemical oceanography, hydrology), and mathematics-related (trigonometry, probability, and statistics) classes offered online.
Keep in Mind:
Gain fieldwork experience through a research internship. Learn how to write for a scientific and non-scientific audience. The ability to communicate in writing cannot be overstated. Given the international nature of scientific collaboration, become fluent in a foreign language. Be a voracious reader.
Dive In!
And become an expert
Peruse our library of must-read books
Thumb through a scientific publication
Take an online course
Watch an interesting video
Check out these great websites
Get a
jump on your Academic career
There’s no substitute for experience.
We have compiled a database of thousands of internships, research opportunities, academic programs and specialized training programs so you can get a jump on your academic career.
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And if you need support to fulfill your dreams and ambitions, our searchable database has plenty of scholarship opportunities as well as programs designed to increase diversity in the sciences.
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Make all the right moves
Advice from those who know
Maintain an excellent GPA, especially in the sciences
Obtain lab experience and become familiar with lab instrumentation
Participate in science fairs and poster competitions
Obtain leadership positions with school organizations
Join professional societies and organizations
Stay current by reading professional and scientific journals
Learn about current research projects
What degree is right for you?
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required for all entry-level jobs, but advancement is limited. You should obtain a degree in geology with a concentration in oceanography or something closely related (marine biology, hydrology) or complimentary (geochemistry, geophysics). Familiarity with information technology and the use of scientific instrumentation and survey equipment in a marine setting is essential.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is recommended as this is where you will be able to specialize your studies in geological, geophysical, or geochemical oceanography. It will open up more employment opportunities in both the public (government agencies) and private (renewable energy, emerging technology, aquaculture) sectors. In a master’s program you will learn the theory and the practice of geological oceanography in addition to having the opportunity to engage in fieldwork.
Doctorate
A doctoral degree is required if you want to have a career in academia. Senior research positions with federal and state government agencies (conducting research & development, establishing policy on coastal and marine environments and resources) and senior project manager positions with private consulting firms (searching for valuable sea-floor deposits, investigating areas for sea farming, evaluating natural energy production from waves, currents, and tides) may also require that you have a doctoral degree.
10 Schools With Excellent Geological Oceanography Programs
Want to see the full list of colleges and universities with degree offerings or relevant courses?
Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
Brown University
Marine Sciences
Carroll University
Marine Science Program
Coastal Carolina University
Earth Science – Atmospheric & Oceanic Plan of Study
Columbia University
Ocean Sciences
Dalhousie University
Oceanography
Florida Tech
Oceanography
Department of Natural Science, Hawaii Pacific University
Department of Oceanography
Humbolt State University
Marine Geology and Geophysics
MIT-WHOI Joint Program
Ocean & Earth Sciences Program
Old Dominion University
Tip 1
Don’t just consider a school’s undergraduate offerings. Even if a school does not offer specific geological oceanography classes at the undergraduate level, you may be able to take relevant classes at the graduate level.
Tip 2
Make yourself more attractive to future employers and graduate schools by opting for a double major. Whether art, economics, technology, or history, it is always wise to supplement your skill set and knowledge base.
Tip 3
Geological Oceanography is often part of a school’s oceanography or geology studies program so broaden your search to include schools that have programs that are more general in nature (like marine or Earth sciences).
Have familiarity with one or more of the following areas
Field survey and analytical techniques
Marine remote sensing
Underwater photography and imagery
Underwater acoustics
Navigation
Robotics
Geophysical survey
Computer modeling
Marine geographic information systems
Satellite imagery
Typical Job Functions of a Geological Oceanographer
Here are some of the interesting things you could be doing.
Collecting underwater samples and data using specialized monitoring equipment.
Analyzing and documenting all site samples and data collection.
Producing data reports and organizing it into databases.
Participating in aquatic dredge and disposal based on sediment characterizations.
Developing models and graphical representations of ocean floor observations and measurements.
Displaying accurate geological and geophysical information on graphs, charts or maps.
Taking measurements of topological features in the oceans and recording coordinates of features.
Analyzing geophysical sounds collected by submersed instruments and accurately logging results.
Sharing results with the scientific community through databases and presentations.
Maintaining and regularly calibrating instruments and equipment.
Teaching marine geological concepts and scientific knowledge in educational institutions.
Interpreting and corroborating different data streams using advanced statistical methods.
Studying and mapping underwater formations such as volcanoes and earthquake faults, as well as rocks and sediment on the seabed.
Providing scientific understanding about natural resource conditions and their impact on the oceans.
Defending conclusions of research against critics.
Assisting in establishing policy on coastal and marine environments and resources.
There’s an Ocean of Possibilities
As you can see, being a geological oceanographer is an interesting and challenging career choice. But more importantly, as a geological oceanographer you will be at the forefront of discovery and helping unlock the mysteries of the ocean.
Common employers include:
Federal Government Agencies
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Geological Survey
- U.S. Park Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- National Science Foundation
Military
- U.S. Navy
- National Defense Research Establishments
- Naval Oceanographic Office
State Government Agencies
- Environmental Protection
- Fish and Wildlife
Private Industry
- Ocean Mapping
- Ocean Technology
- Emerging Technology
- Mineral Extraction
- Offshore Renewable Energy
- Oil and Natural Gas Exploration
- Environmental Consulting
Non-Governmental Organizations
- Environmental Organizations
- Conservation Organizations
Academia
- Universities
- Research Institutions
Start your career search with our extensive list of employment websites.