I need ideas for oceanography class!

I'm enrolled in an oceanography class that is required for my geo-science degree. So far i really enjoy it, and i was just assigned a semester research paper. It requires us to study a particular circulation in a body of water, and how it influences other things such as weather or pollution. For example, one could study circulations of the gulf of mexico, and the BP oil rig accident. I really love coral and would love to maybe tie a circulation to it, i was thinking the red sea. I was hoping someone might know a current that affects coral in any interesting way! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, ford!

 

Seems like you would find something related to the Humboldt current, granted it would not be corals but what about the cooler waters of the Galapagos. What about the Gulf current providing nutrients to the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the only places in the world to see whale sharks.

 

Maybe delve into the influence that western boundaries of the major ocean circulation/gyres have on coral growth. Coral reefs tend to proliferate on the western boundaries (poleward flow) and not the eastern boundaries of ocean gyres (colder water from poles).

Hint: Heat transfer from equator.

 

How the gulf stream effects weather and marine life from Florida, Maine and all the way to the U.K

 

way to much science for my taste but GL all the same

PS look tword brackish water, more fun and you get the best of both worlds

 

Good one. Helps moderate colder temperatures at high latitudes.

On a similar note, look at how eastern boundary current moderates temperatures in Southern California relative to its lower latitudes.

 

Wow all amazing ideas, I am going to check the library for sources on the gulf current idea and the corals forming on western boundaries. I'll report back with which I decide to go with, I cant thank you all enough!

- ford

 

you guy/gal need to read less and watch more tv ;D lol

GL on the choice you make Ford

 

If you are interested in the coral aspect of it, consider the Florida Current - it is basically the start of the gulf stream in Florida, it runs along the tip of the state and up through the keys....it is the main current that influences the FL. Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Here is a link to some more information from the University of Miami's RSMAS school - my Alma Mater - got my Marine Bio degree there in 1995.


The Florida Current

 

Hey I am finding this topic very intriguing and comparable to class, I was just wondering since you got your marine biology degree if you could recommend some good oceanography or marine based journals that are peered reviewed. I am finding a little info in geology journals that I regularly use, but I am sure I could do better. I know it brings warmer waters northward from the equator, making reefs possible. But I would like more aspects to expand on that. I am sure marine journals would better touch base on that. Thank you so much for the help thus far.

- Ford