Oceanography explores the vast and largely unknown marine environment that covers over 70% of Earth’s surface. Scientists study ocean currents, ecosystems, plate tectonics, and marine organisms. Oceans regulate the planet’s climate, store carbon, and provide food and oxygen. Coral reefs, often called “rainforests of the sea,” support immense biodiversity but are threatened by warming and acidification. Oceanographers use sonar, satellites, and underwater robots to map the seafloor and monitor marine life. Research in this field helps forecast weather, manage fisheries, and understand climate change. Despite centuries of exploration, much of the deep ocean remains a mystery, waiting to be uncovered.
