Surface and above
The surface of the sea can be considered anything from the first millimetre to tens of meters deep depending on what is being looked at. Scientists who want to know about the surface of the ocean might be interested in what it can tell us about weather and climate processes, or how the air and sea affect each other. Enviromental conditions also affect ecosystems, coastal errosion and other areas, so are important to many scientists.
When scientists measure the air they are monitoring the state of the atmosphere that surrounds Earth, this is known as meteorology. Air has many properties including temperature, humidity, pressure and wind speed, which are studied to provide information about the weather (its current status) and climate (its long term status). Meteorology is important because the data collected can be used for weather forecasting and climate modelling, by aeroplanes or ships as they travel and all manor of other uses.
Investigating the sea
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Measuring currents
The ocean current is the continuous flow of sea water from one place to another. Currents are generated from the forces acting upon the water such as the planet rotation, wind, temperature and salinity differences and the gravitation of the moon. Read more about currents→
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Measuring tides
Tides are the periodic and predictable rise and fall of the Earth’s ocean surface, caused by gravitational and rotational forces of the Earth, Moon and Sun acting on the water. Tides can vary in size, power and frequency due to geographical location and the positions of the Sun and Moon. Read more about tides→
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Measuring waves
Waves are caused by the wind; how fast the wind blows and for how long it blows in the same direction will determine its characteristics. Waves newly created by the wind tend to be short and choppy. As they develop they become taller, faster and have longer wavelengths. Read more about waves →
Investigating the sea and air
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Measuring sea and air exchanges
At first glance it may appear there isn’t much to study between the air and sea, but in reality a lot is happening. Learn how wind, waves, sunshine and rain all play a part in the exchange of various properties. Read more about the exchanges between the sea and air →
Investigating the air
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Measuring the wind
Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to low pressure areas. Wind is caused by differences in air temperature. Warm air being lighter rises up and cold air sinks into to fill the space. Speed and direction are two elements used to define wind. Read more about the wind →
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Measuring temperature
Temperature, the scale by which we measure how hot or cold something is, represents kinetic energy - the energy of motion. So temperature is really about the speed that matter moves around at. Atoms, the building blocks of all matter, form groups known as molecules. Read more about temperature →
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Measuring pressure
Pressure is force divided by area; it tells us how much something is being pushed or pulled over a given size. A lot of force over a small area will have greater pressure than the same amount of force over a big area. Air pressure comes from the weight of all the air molecules pushing against the planet. Read more about air pressure →
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Measuring humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapour, or moisture, in the air. Moist air rises above dry air because water molecules are lighter than air molecules. The same volume of air will weigh less when water molecules replace some the of air molecules. Read more about humidity →
