MARS 120: Introduction to Physical Oceanography

Dr. Joe Gorga

Email: gorga@sandiego.eduOffice: ST 269 (x6817)MW 12 - 2T 9:30 – 10:30, or By Appointment

Textbook: Introductory Oceanography 10th EditionWebsite: http://home.sandiego.edu/~gorga

Class Objectives• To introduce the you to the basic principles and processes essential to

oceanography

• You will need to learn the fundamental concepts of oceanography, and be able

to make connections between subjects using critical thinking

• We will focus on:

– geology of the of ocean basins

– Physical and chemical properties of seawater

– Air-sea interactions

– Currents

– Waves/Tides

– Coastal Processes

– Paleoceanography

Class Grades• Grading Policy:

Lecture:Midterm Exams (3) 100 points eachFinal Exam (non-cumulative) 100 pointsHomework and Participation 50 pointsTotal Lecture Points 450 pointsTotal Lab Points: 250 PointsTotal Course Points 700 points

Grades will be based on a scale of: A= 90 – 100%, B= 80 – 90%, C= 70 – 80%, D= 60 – 70% and F= <60%.

You must pass both the Lab and Lecture in order to pass the course

Why Study The Ocean?

Oceanography• The study of the marine environment

• Oceans provide: food, medicines, raw materials, used for recreation, supports tourism– Estimated ocean’s living systems are worth over $20 trillion

Scientific Method• Inquiry: a search for information and explanations

focusing on a specific question

• Descriptive Science: describes nature as accurately as possible– Inductive reasoning: go from specific to general

• Hypothesis-based Science: what are the natural causes and explanations of the observations we see– Must propose and test a hypothesis

– Deductive reasoning: reasoning flows from general to specific

Scientific Method1. Observation

• Careful; Include as many parameters as possible• Observations Induction Hypothesis

2. Hypothesis• Possible cause• Reflect past experience (educated guess)• Multiple (consider alternative explanations)• Testable• Falsifiable

3. Prediction• Hypothesis/Principle Deduction Prediction

4. Experiment• Experimental group, Control group, Replication

5. Results/Interpretation

6. Scientific Theory

Scientific Method: Case Study

Scientific Method

Field Observations vs. Controlled Experiments

1. Field Observations (in situ)• Natural setting

• Uncontrolled variables

• Examples?

2. Controlled Experiment (usually ex situ)• Fewer uncontrolled variables

• Test one or a few variable(s) at a time

• Artificial setting (especially ex situ)

Scientific Method