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Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean. Traditionally,
the Earth has been viewed from land. However, if you look at the Earth
from outer space, the oceans comprise 71% of the Earth’s surfaces. The
continents are really only the tops of high mountains from the ocean
bottom. Oceanography is concerned with studying the biology, geology,
chemistry, and physics of the oceans.
The oceans have evolved distinct features that are unique among the
other planets in the Solar System. The oceans harbor entire populations
of organisms that use the marine environment to their benefit. The
oceans also provide humans with valuable nutrition, transportation, and
weather. Many organisms originated in the sea. The marine environments
are more stable by continuously supplying the needs of organisms than
the unforgiving land environments.
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