The History of
Oceanography
Why study it?
What can we gain
from learning about
the history of
oceanography?
Can determine its role in world history, which promoted:
1. Warfare
2. Trade
3. Exploration.
Ancient Uses
and
Explorations
How were the
oceans important to
early societies?
Societies were motivated by: 1. Food 2. Trade 3. Led to
exploration
(5000 B.C.–800
A.D.)
Created more interest in oceanography
Navigation -Using Stars –North Star -to tell how far north or south.
Developed latitude - regularly spaced imaginary lines on Earth's
surface running east to west which do not touch and are labeled
north and south.
longitude – regularly spaced imaginary lines on Earth's surface
running north to south and converging at the poles and are labeled
east and west.
The Middle
Ages
(800
A.D.–1400)
European
Voyages of
Discovery
(1400–1700)
Europeans did little
exploration during
the Middle Ages, but
there were other
societies which
advanced ocean
science.
Societal breakdown with the Fall of Rome and the Bubonic plague,
marked in Europe by loss of communication , education, ancient
knowledge = Dark Ages
Who did exploration
at this time?
Chinese Explorations - Improved ship designs included a central
rudder and water tight compartments. Use of the magnetic compass
in navigation.
What were the
primary motives for
European voyages of
discovery? How did
competition
between European
nations influence
history?
Viking Explorations - Improved ship designs –Warmer temperature
allowed exploration of Iceland, Greenland and North America also
promoted the expansion of trade.
Renaissance Period was the rebirth of knowledge, renewed interest
in science & exploration that was motivated by: 1. Economics
2. Politics 3. Religion.
There was competition to find a shorter route ocean route to Asia
and India.
The Birth of
Marine Science
(1700–1900)
What kinds of data
did scientists in the
1700’s and 1800’s
collect? What can
we gain from
learning about the
history of
oceanography?
Time period included the invention of the Chronometer which
assisted travel, and made it safer. Chronometer (clock) made for
accurate determination of Longitude.
Data collected aided in the creation of better maps which made use
of longitude and latitude. Diagrams of organisms found at different
locations and depths in the world’s oceans served a field guides for
future exploration.
First voyage for scientific discovery was the HMS Challenger.
TwentiethCentury Marine
Science
How did the
technology of the
twentieth century
change marine
science?
Industrial Revolution and World War II – led to advances in
technology: 1. SONAR
What social events
influenced
4. Improved navigation –LORAN, GPS
marine studies and
technology at this
time?
2. engines & ships to submersibles -ROV’s and AUV’s
3. Practical power sources –diesel fuel to long lasting batteries
5. Better understanding of decompression problems.