They are also the final repository of many pollutants, and careful investigation of the effects of such anthropogenic wastes is critical to ensure the health of the marine system. Geophysical investigations of ocean basins have provided support for the unifying theory of the geologic sciences, Plate Tectonics, and continue to allow refinement of tectonic models. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are linked to ocean basin formation and destruction. Marine sediments also have scientific value as they contain information about past life on Earth, and past environmental conditions, including records of Cenozoic global climate change. Finally, the oceans also contain many important biological and geological resources.
Marine fisheries support the dietary needs of many people globally.
Oil, sands and phosphates are just some of the mineral and energy resources humans recover from the sea. Clearly, we have ample reasons to study the oceans. The simplest reasons are because they are beautiful, and because they are there. For More Information Prospective students should feel free to contact us about the Marine Science Program. Undergraduates at Oswego State University who are interested in any of the marine science courses, or in completing a minor in marine science, should contact the faculty advisor as soon as possible.