Ocean Exploration

Some people may ask us why we explore the ocean. We swim, fish, boat, and jet ski in the ocean. Medical professionals use some plants and different items from the ocean to make medicines. If the ocean provides all of that, then why not learn more about it. Oceanographers use many different tools and machines to help them explore the ocean. Here are some of them:

Research Ships: Research ships are used for weeks or months at a time. These ships have many rooms and spaces specially made for certain things. For example, laboratory space for doing experiments and measurements.Oceanographers use cameras and robots that are underwater, but controlled from inside the ship. With the cameras, they can see where the robot is going, what it's doing, and take pictures of the site if it's strange or important.

Submersibles: Submersibles are submarines that can descend to the ocean floor. They let scientists observe features on the sea floor that may be missed by instruments lowered from research ships on the top of the water. Some can hold a human crew. The crew members take photographs and, using a mechanical arm can gather specimens. Some even have television cameras that can broadcast on satellites worldwide.

Satellites: Satellites transmit information from buoys and other machines at sea to oceanographers on shore. They also provide views of vast expanses ofthe sea to their position high above earth. They can be used to map and take photographs as well. Oceanographers greatly rely on satellites, which supply information a great deal quicker than research ships.

Computers: Computers are very useful to researchers underwater and above.They enable scientists to collect and study the large amounts of information collected from satellites. Scientists also use computers to make models of ocean structures.

Found in The World Book Encyclopedia-1998 Edition

(For more information check out our links page under glossary.)

The World of Oceans ~ Ocean Importance ~ Ocean Exploration ~ Animals ~ Plants
Problems Of The Ocean ~ How The Ocean Moves ~ Game ~ Glossary