Marine Observation Technologies
Technology for observing and understanding ocean processes
Scientific and policy studies that investigate the complex and changing nature of marine environments demand accurate and extensive measurements of ocean properties and processes, as well as capabilities for managing and interpreting large datasets of observations. This need has prompted significant advances in instrumentation and improved techniques for analysis of large and complex sets of data.
Rapid advances in engineering have led to an increased number and variety of sensors including those on aircraft and satellites, autonomous vehicles, and floating or fixed platforms. Similarly, the increasing volume and complexity of the data streams have been accompanied by advances in underwater communications and more sophisticated approaches for data analysis, management, and visualization.
As a student in this concentration, you will gain expertise in the working principles and use of various types of oceanographic instrumentation as well as developing a familiarity with various methods for managing, analyzing and interpreting large sets of oceanographic data.
Related areas of study
- Familiarity with fundamental concepts in physics, biology, chemistry, and math as well as knowledge of ocean and atmospheric science
- Experience with data analysis and computer programming
Learning outcomes
- Gain a solid foundation in ocean science and the variety of instruments used, types of data generated, and their application
- Understand the marine policy issues so you understand what scientific inquiry the instrumentation and data must address
- Gain knowledge of the realistic capabilities of ocean measurement systems so you can design meaningful standards and studies
- Get a clear sense of the time and effort required to obtain observations relative to these studies