Exploring the Ocean

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Submersibles, like the one shown here, are vital tools in ocean exploration, allowing scientists to access and study deep-sea environments that are otherwise unreachable, expanding our understanding of marine life and geological processes.

Since Aristotle’s time, the sea has been a place to explore. From the first attempts to measure the depths of the ocean to the discovery that life can exist on the seafloor, scientists and explorers alike have sought answers to questions about our planet from the sea. Yet, not all of what we have learned comes from science. Great documentary filmmakers and underwater photographers have contributed substantially to the wealth of knowledge we possess today.

As is common with technological tools, the ones we use to explore the ocean have advanced over the years from simple compasses used to create rudimentary maps to single manned submarines capable of safely diving to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. Today, satellites in space relay data from thousands of ocean buoys back to laboratories on Earth, making it possible for anyone, anywhere, to monitor and collect live ocean data. As long as the curiosity is there to prompt the questions and the desire is there to seek their answers, the ocean will forever be a place of wonder.

Investigating Exploring the Ocean will help you to:

summarize the impact that ancient and present-day explorers have on our knowledge of the ocean.
describe the tools used to explore the ocean from above and below the waves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine “Cathy” Christopher has always been passionate about science, with a special love for marine biology.. While she once dreamed of studying whales, her fascination quickly shifted to the incredible world of invertebrates during her undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University. She later earned her Master’s in Biology from Florida Atlantic University, where she also became scuba certified and gained hands-on experience with sea turtles, birds, and everything in between.

Cathy’s career has spanned from developing engaging K-12 science curricula to leading educational initiatives that make marine science accessible to learners of all ages. When she’s not crafting the next great science lesson, Cathy can be found underwater, exploring reefs across the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. A certified dive instructor since 2017, she loves pointing out unique marine invertebrates and is always happy to help fellow divers identify their latest underwater finds.

Explore the entire course below. When you are finished with each section, close the window to return here.

Why Study the Ocean?

Ocean Discoveries

Careers in Marine Science

Supplemental Resources