Course Outline for Geological Sciences 12
Introduction to Oceanography

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

GEOS 12 - Introduction to Oceanography

3.00 Units

An introduction to the oceans, methods of sea-going research; physical and chemical properties of sea water; marine geology; causes and effects of currents, tides, and waves; shoreline processes; basic types of marine life, habitats and ecosystems; distribution of marine resources; the geologic record of ocean sediments, and the effects of climate change on the ocean.
CB03: TOP Code 1914.00 - Geology
CIP Code 40.0601 - Geology/Earth Science, General
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Activity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. discuss and explain the basics of oceanic science, instrumentation and measurement;
  2. demonstrate understanding of basic marine geography, ability to identify the location of the oceans and major seas of the world and explain large-scale ocean circulation patterns;
  3. identify, explain, discuss, analyze, and interpret the basics of marine geology, including the geology of both global and marine plate tectonic environments, marine geomorphology, sea floor, island and coastal geology; including beaches, reefs, bays, and estuaries;
  4. identify, explain, discuss, analyze and interpret basic physical and chemical ocean properties, and demonstrate understanding of how these data are measured and collected;
  5. identify, explain, discuss and analyze the basics of marine life and marine ecosystems, and how they are influenced by ocean water properties and ocean circulation patterns.

Course Content:

  1. Introduction to Ocean Science, Data Collection Methods and Scientific Method
    1. Regions of the Ocean
    2. Ocean Surveys
  2. Marine Geology
    1. Mid-Ocean Ridges
    2. Ocean Floor Features
    3. Submarine Canyons
    4. Seamounts
    5. Ocean Islands
  3. Ocean Biosphere
    1. Primary Productivity
    2. Marine Ecosystems
    3. Marine Fauna and Flora
  4. Seawater Properties
    1. Salinity
    2. Temperature
    3. Density
    4. Dissolved Oxygen
    5. Nitrogen and Nutrients
    6. Sound Speed
  5. Ocean, Winds & Weather
    1. Major Wind Belts
    2. Major Ocean Currents
    3. Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons
  6. Air-Sea Interface
    1. Gas Exchange
    2. Heat Exchange
    3. Energy Transfer
  7. Sea Floor Geology
    1. Oceanic Crust Composition
    2. Oceanic Rock Types
    3. Submarine Volcanos
    4. Hydrothermal Vents
    5. Ocean Floor Seismology
  8. Ocean Ecology
    1. Trophic Levels
    2. Fisheries
    3. Threatened Ecosystems & Species
    4. Garbage Patch
  9.  Distribution of Nutrients
    1. Redfield Ratio
    2. Nitrogen Cycle
    3. Phosphorus Cycle
    4. Iron Limitation
  10. Ocean Acidification
    1. Carbonate Buffer
    2. Carbonate Compensation Depth
    3. Carbonate Dissolution
  11. Marine Sediments
    1. Formation of Marine Sediments
    2. Marine Sediment Rock Types
    3. Geologic Record Preserved in Marine Sediments
  12. Tides
    1. Causes of Tides
    2. Types of Tides
    3. Internal Tides
  13. Ocean Circulation
    1. Global Ocean Circulation
    2. Deep Water Formation
    3. Density-driven Currents
    4. Wind-driven Currents
    5. Western Intensification
    6. El Niño & La Niña
  14. Gravity Waves
    1. Surface Waves
    2. Internal Waves
    3. Tsunamis
  15. Waves
    1. Wave Formation
    2. Deep Water Waves
    3. Surface Waves
    4. Tsunamis
  16. Shoreline Geology
    1. Wave Erosion
    2. Sediment Transport & Deposition
    3. Beaches
  17. Shoreline Ecosystems
    1. Estuaries
    2. Bays
    3. Deltas
    4. Wetlands

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Lectures
  2. Practice/Demonstration
  3. Group Activities
  4. Class and group discussions
  5. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  6. Field Trips
  7. Written assignments
  8. Field Experience
  9. Group Presentations
  10. Lecture/Discussion
  11. Online Assignments
  12. Demonstration
  13. Guest speakers
  14. Hands-on Activities

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. In small groups, students will research a topic and present slides and other multimedia in class to an audience of their peers. An example topic could be to research an ocean island and report on its formation, local geological processes and rock types.
  2. Analyze a global ocean bathymetric map (provided by instructor) to identify features such as mid-ocean ridges, trenches and canyons. In writing, discuss the effects of these ocean floor features on local marine ecosystems, local tectonic activity, and local coastal processes.
  3. Participate in a field trip to a local site, such as Hayward Shoreline, and work in groups to measure ocean properties using lab equipment provided. Write and turn-in a lab report that includes the following sections (introduction, hypothesis, methods and materials, results, discussion, conclusion).
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Oral Presentation
  3. Written assignments
  4. Quizzes
  5. Homework
  6. Research Projects
  7. Critical thinking exercises
  8. Group Projects
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Explain how marine geology influences ocean chemistry and marine ecosystems
  2. Describe how ocean circulation patterns can affect climate, and how global warming may change ocean circulation.
  3. Communicate how atmospheric carbon dioxide rise and global warming are affecting ocean chemistry and marine ecosystems.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Mira Costa College (2022). Oceanography 101 Libre Texts.
  2. Tessa Hill (2022). Oceanography Libre Texts.
  3. Paul Webb (2019). Introduction to Oceanography Libre Texts.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

An introduction to the oceans: waves and tides, the ocean floor, and life within it.

Discipline:
Earth Science*