Learning Outcomes
On succesful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of :-
- methods by which the sea floor is investigated
- the types of sediment which occur from a delta to the deep ocean floor
- the processes which control ocean sedimentation
- the relationships between tectonics and the ocean basins
- the types of minerals and other resources of the ocean
Aims
The scope and range of Oceanography. The variety of methods and techniques used in the investigation of the marine geological environment. The processes and products of marine sedimentation from continental shelves to the deep oceans including biological and bacterial influences.
Content
An introduction to Oceanography. The methods and techniques used in marine geological investigations and the processes and products of marine sedimentation.
Topics to be addressed:
_An introduction to Oceanography
Overview of oceanography. Open University Video
_Techniques in Marine Geology
Marine Navigation; GPS. Research Vessels
Seabed and subseabed sampling; dredge and core sampling; divers; ROVs; submersibles; boreholes.
Satellite bathymetry. Single beam echo sounding. Swath bathymetry
Side Scan Sonar; basic physics of method; distortions; shelf surveying; GLORIA and TOBI surveying of the deep ocean.
Seismic reflection; basic physics of methods; analogue single channel reflection profiles; multi-channel digital reflection profiles.
_The Ocean Drilling Programme (ODP)
Marine and laboratory techniques; evolution and range of the project; case studies on convergent plate margins.
_Continental Shelves, Ocean basins, Tectonics and Sedimentation
Plate tectonics and the oceans; climate, waves, tides and ocean currents. Shallow marine siliciclastic sedimentation. Shallow marine carbonate sedimtation. Deep water sedimentation, turbidites and oozes.
Video linked into separate lecture courses above.
Waves Open University Video
Currents Open University Video
Oceans and Climate Open University Video
Global Sea Level Open University Video
The Ocean Floor Open University Video
Rockall Open University Video
Jamaica and the Sea Open University Video
Polar Science Open University and other videos
Marine Minerals Other videos
Deep Marine Life Other videos