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# Oceanography - Water Everywhere The scientific study of the sea is called oceanography. It encompasses different areas, including: * **Physical oceanography:** Studies physical features like waves and currents, and their affect on weather patterns and aquatic life. * **Geological oceanograph...

# Oceanography - Water Everywhere The scientific study of the sea is called oceanography. It encompasses different areas, including: * **Physical oceanography:** Studies physical features like waves and currents, and their affect on weather patterns and aquatic life. * **Geological oceanography:** Explores ocean floor to understand Earth's history. * **Chemical oceanography:** Studies the amounts and distributions of natural and human-made chemicals in the sea. * **Biological oceanography:** Studies the plants and animals that live in the ocean. # Exploring the Ocean Floor Technology has allowed science to explore the ocean floor. Scientists use miniature research submarines like Alvin. John Trefry uses Alvin to travel 2.4 km below the surface to study the ocean floor. One of the interesting discoveries is **black smokers**. * **Black smokers** are rock chimneys on the ocean floor. * They spew clouds of minerals. * They are hydrothermal vents - cracks in the ocean floor that release hot water. * The hot water and minerals support a diverse biological community, including: * Blood-red tube worms (3.5 m long) * Clams (30 cm diameter) * Blind white crabs # How Hot is 300°C? (Quick Lab) This experiment measures the temperature difference between the room and the heat source, comparing it to the temperature of a black smoker's hot water (300°C). 1. Measure the room temperature in degrees Celsius. 2. Hold the thermometer near a heat source (a light bulb or heating vent). 3. Record temperature readings. 4. Compare recorded temperatures with the 300°C temperature of a black smoker. **Figure 2:** An image of a black smoker viewed through the Alvin minisub.