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Lessons
Select a from the list of titles shown below. When the home
page appears, select the desired bandwidth to start the video presentation.
- 1
 The
Water Planet 
From the Big Bang theory to the formation of planet
Earth through the origins of life, scientists summarize the profound influence of water on
our planet and introduce the science of oceanography.
2 First
Steps
The evolution of oceanography and the technology that
has driven it are investigated, from the early cartographers through the remarkable
voyages lead by individuals who had little more to guide them than a sense of adventure.
3 Making
the Pieces Fit
In 1965, John Tuzo Wilson supplied the final piece of
the puzzle necessary to the development of the plate tectonics paradigm, which had its
roots inWegener’s 1912 theory of continental drift.
4 World
in Motion
Though many questions remain unanswered, the evidence
for plate tectonics is found virtually everywhere it is sought and continues to mount
today. Polar wandering and the characteristics of plate boundaries, hot spots, and
earthquakes continue the study of plate tectonics.
5 Over
the Edge
Bathymetry is the study of the topography of the ocean
floor. This examines the seafloor from the continental margins to the abyssal plain,
trenches, and hydrothermal vents with their newly-discovered biota. New technology and
techniques continue to expand access to seabed studies.
6 The
Ocean's Memory
This examines marine sediments, which provide an
important record of an ocean basin’s history. The study of marine sediments employs
the same techniques devised by terrestrial geologists, and is of commercial and scientific
interest across many disciplines.
7 It's in the Water
The chemistry of water and its unique physical
properties and behavior are studied, as well as the temperature, density, and salinity of
the ocean’s water. Also considered is the profound impact of the ocean on global
temperatures.
8 Beneath
the Surface
The ocean is a dynamic structure. This explores
the stratification, movement, and surface conditions of that structure as well as how
light and sound are affected by the ocean environment.
9 Going to Extremes
Through a comparative study of the polar and tropic
oceans, students are given the opportunity to integrate and apply the facts and principles
presented to this point in the course.
10 Something in the Air
The interaction of the ocean, the atmosphere, and the
land form an inseparable system. The atmospheric composition, properties, and circulation
of this system as well as the Coriolis effect, wind patterns, and air masses are studied
in this .
11 Going with the Flow
Surface currents transfer water and heat from tropical
to polar regions and influence weather, climate, and biological activity in the
upper-water region. Using the El Niño phenomenon for illustration, the effects of surface
currents on climate are studied.
12 Deep
Connections
Like wind-powered surface currents, the density-driven
thermohaline circulation plays a major role in global heat transfer and in distributing
dissolved gases and nutrients. Chemical tracers are just one method used to study these
deep water currents.
13 Surf's
Up
Starting with the disturbing forces that initiate
movement of energy through the water, the formation and propagation of both surface and
internal waves are studied in this .
14 Look
Out Below
Tsunami, seiches, storm surge, and seismic sea waves are
very large, potentially destructive waves that can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic
activity, cyclones, and tidal effects. These waves and long-term sea level change are this
lesson's focus.
15 Ebb
and Flow
This examines tides and the forces that generate
them. The equilibrium theory and the dynamic theory of tides are presented.
16 On
The Coast
A look at the features of coasts and the forces that
shape them, including the characteristics of coasts. Coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, and
wetlands are examined.
17 Due
West
The impact of human activity on coastal areas is
examined through studies of four areas along the California coast. Using these studies,
harbor and beach creation and maintenance, erosion, water pollution, and wetlands
preservation are investigated.
18 Building Blocks
A scientific definition of life is offered and evolution
of life in the marine environment is examined. The theory of evolution by natural
selection is presented and biogeochemical cycles are examined.
19 Water World
The history of biological classification is presented,
and the six kingdoms into which taxonomists currently divide all life are reviewed. The
environmental factors and processes that affect marine life are discussed.
20 Food
for Thought
Primary productivity in the marine environment is
accomplished mainly by plankton. The types of plankton, their distribution, and
productivity are presented along with methods for measuring primary productivity and
factors that limit productivity.
21 Survivors
A study of the oxygen revolution, the origins of life,
and evolution and classification of the invertebrates from least complexity of body form
and function to greatest complexity.
22 Life
Goes On
Continuing where the previous left off, the marine
vertebrates, their feeding, defense, and the ways in which the marine environment has
shaped their evolution are examined. In addition to fish, the marine reptiles, birds, and
mammals are considered.
23 Living
Together
In order to explain the distribution and abundance of
organisms, their biological interrelationships and physical limiting factors must be
understood. Various marine communities such as those of the rocky intertidal, sandy
shores, estuaries, hydrothermal vents, and the bathypelagic zone are explored in this .
24 Treasure
Trove
This surveys the major physical, biological,
energy, and nonextractive resources of the oceans and details their economic worth, means
of extraction, distribution, abundance, present status, and future prospects.
25 Dirty
Water
In excessive amounts, even natural materials can be
problematic, and sometimes cleanup can be more damaging than the polluting event.
This examines pollution and pollutants on both a local and global level.
26 Hands
On
A look at some of the factors, beyond the search for
empirical truth, that motivate oceanographers. Concentrating on global oceanographic
initiatives, the study guide and text readings encourage students to review, synthesize,
and integrate some of the larger ideas from the course.
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About This Telecourse
 This telecourse focuses on the marine environment as a unique and
important part of life on earth, and explores areas of interest and concern to students
and scientists alike.
When you complete this telecourse, you should be able to:
- Explain the origin, structure, and evolution of the ocean
and all its components
- Describe the structure and processes involved in creating
the sea floor.
- Explain the causes and influence of waves and tides as well
as their effect on the coast.
- Identify the life in the oceans and their dependence on each
other to create marine communities
- Determine the forces that humans have on the oceans and the
environmental impact that result from this.
Acknowledgments
The video series is provided by St.
Petersburg Junior College.
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