Biogeochemical processes in the ocean based on an in-depth study

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Oceanography is a scientific discipline dedicated to the study of the oceans and their relationship with the environment and life on Earth. This branch of science is divided into several sub-disciplines such as ocean physics, ocean chemistry, marine geology, and marine biology.


Ocean physics focuses on the study of the physical features of the ocean, such as ocean currents, waves, and tides. Ocean chemistry focuses on the study of chemical processes that occur in the ocean, such as the absorption of carbon dioxide and the nitrogen cycle. Marine geology focuses on the study of the seabed and the structure of the ocean, while marine biology focuses on the study of marine life and its interactions with the environment.


Oceanography is an interdisciplinary discipline that combines knowledge of physics, chemistry, geology and biology to understand the processes that occur in the oceans. Oceanographers use a variety of tools and techniques to measure and analyze data, such as satellites, autonomous divers, and submarines.


Oceanography is essential to understand global changes and their impact on the environment and life on Earth. The oceans are the main regulator of the Earth's climate, and their study is essential to understand and address climate change. They are also essential for life on Earth, as they are home to a wide variety of marine species and provide important ecosystem services, such as oxygen production and climate regulation.


Oceanography also has important practical applications, such as the exploration and exploitation of marine resources, the conservation of marine life, the management of fisheries and the protection of marine ecosystems. Oceanographers work in collaboration with a variety of organizations, such as government, private companies, and non-governmental organizations, to address these challenges.


Oceanography is an essential scientific discipline to understand the oceans and their relationship with the environment and life on Earth.


A common diagram to illustrate the chemical processes that occur in the ocean is a schematic of the marine carbon cycle. This diagram shows how carbon dioxide (CO2) is exchanged between the atmosphere, the ocean, and marine organisms.


First, atmospheric CO2 is absorbed by the ocean through the water surface. This is known as CO2 uptake by the ocean. Marine organisms, such as algae and plants, can also absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.


Once in the ocean, CO2 is converted to carbonic acid (H2CO3) through a chemical reaction with water. This carbonic acid can react with calcium ions (Ca2+) to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is the main component of the shells and skeletons of marine organisms.


Calcium carbonate can be carried by ocean currents to the ocean floor, where it can accumulate and form sedimentary rocks. This is known as the carbon sink. However, CO2 can also be released back into the water through erosion of sedimentary rocks and volcanic activity.


In the nitrogen cycle, atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted to nitrate (NO3-) and ammonia (NH3) by marine organisms known as nitrifiers and denitifiers. Nitrate and ammonia are used by marine organisms as a source of nitrogen for photosynthesis. Excess nitrate and ammonia can be released into the water and carried by ocean currents, where it can be used by marine organisms in other areas of the ocean.

Bibliography Reference:

-.Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science by Tom S. Garrison (, 2020.

-.Marine Chemistry" by Helen C. Bostick, 2006

-.Chemical Oceanography and the Marine Carbon Cycle by Richard A. Feely, Susanne Neuer, and Uwe Riebesell , 2013.



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It is said that there is more about the ocean that we don't know than what we do know, something similar to what happens with the universe in general.
I think that in both cases, there is much to learn, much to discover. I didn't know about this profession or specialty, but I'm sure it must be something very interesting.

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