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Article: Oceanography, Physical
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Oceanography, Physical
Although oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean, the subdiscipline of physical oceanography is principally concerned with the study of the structure and movement of water in the oceans. Physical oceanographic studies utilize a number of scientific specialties, and studies can encompass a diversity of technologies
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from echo-sounding determinations of seafloor structure and seismic studies of movements in oceanic crust to satellite estimations of current flow based on radar reflections and thermal imaging.
Physical oceanography studies the many factors that influence the movement of ocean waters. Wind can push surface water, and the gravity fields ...